People abuse a variety of different substances--including alcohol, household chemicals, prescription drugs and illicit drugs. According to the website KidsHealth, people can easily gain access to drugs, whether they reside in a big city or a small town. A substance abuse problem can occur as a person's tolerance for the substance increases, as a way to cope with stressors or if the substance used is highly addictive.
Early Onset
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the earlier in life a person begins using a substance, the more likely her use will develop into abuse or addiction. Therefore, when teens and young college students begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol, they increase their risk of future abuse and addiction.
People Afflicted
Substance abuse does not align itself with a certain group of people. People of any gender, age, race and socioeconomic status can become troubled with substance abuse problems. There are, however, certain indicators that can place a person at increased risk for developing a problem. The factors that heighten the chance of substance abuse include having family members who experience problems with drugs or alcohol, being able to easily obtain the substance, regularly interacting with people who use drugs and alcohol and consider high rates of use acceptable, and having another mental health problem such as depression or anxiety.
Mental Health
Having a substance abuse problem can lead to other mental health problems. Substance abuse can intensify an existing mental health disorder or trigger the onset of a mental health condition. Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are all examples of mental health conditions that can be made worse by the use of alcohol or drugs.
Physical Health
Substance abuse has a negative impact on a person's physical health. A person who suffers from a substance abuse problem is at higher risk for sustaining injuries as a result of an accident, may increase his risk of obtaining a communicable disease and may shorten his lifespan or die suddenly as a result of the substance abuse, reports MayoClinic.com.
Interventions
Substance abuse is treated with inpatient and outpatient interventions. Medical detoxification programs are not necessarily required in the treatment of substance abuse but can be used if necessary. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs focus on the use of individual psychotherapy; psychoeducation, which provides the person with an education and understanding of the disorder; family therapy; group therapy; and cognitive-behavioral interventions.
