What is Substance Abuse?
Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized
by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking,
and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative
consequences. Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part
as a result of the effects of prolonged substance abuse on brain
functioning and on behavior. For many people, drug addiction
becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods
of abstinence.
How Do I Recognize Substance Abuse?
If a person is compulsively seeking and using a substance despite
negative consequences, such as loss of job, debt, physical or
mental problems brought on by substance abuse, or family problems,
then he or she is probably addicted. We don't have a perfect
screening tool quite yet, but health care professionals who
screen for drug use often ask questions like these to detect
substance abuse in their adolescent patients:
- Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone (including yourself) who had been using alcohol or drugs?
- Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax, feel better about yourself, or fit in?
- Do you ever use alcohol or drugs when you are alone?
- Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
- Do your family or friends ever tell you to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever gotten into trouble while you were using alcohol or drugs?
What Are the Physical Signs of Substance
Abuse or Addiction?
The physical signs of substance abuse or addiction
can vary depending on the person and the substance being abused.
In addition, each substance has short-term and long-term physical
effects. For example, someone who abuses marijuana may have
a chronic cough or worsening of asthmatic conditions. Stimulants
like cocaine increase heart rate and blood pressure, whereas
opioids like heroin may slow the heart rate and reduce respiration.
Contact us for information on substance abuse and rehab treatment!
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