About Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Overview

Alcohol and substance abuse can have a powerful effect on the life of the abuser and those he comes in contact with. When someone abuses any of these substances he may find himself losing relationships, jobs and friends. His quality of life can be greatly impaired, including his health. Getting the proper treatment is the first step to the road to recovery.

Alcohol

Someone who abuses alcohol may carry a strong urge to drink several times a day. Once she takes one drink it can be difficult for her to stop, which can also lead to binge drinking or drinking too much. She may become physically dependent on the alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms if she does not have a drink. Symptoms include shaky hands or tremors, sweating, anxiety and flu-like symptoms. An inpatient treatment unit followed by outpatient therapy and possibly sober living will likely be needed to prevent relapse and ensure sobriety.

Prescription Drugs

Abuse of prescription drugs is a serious form of substance abuse. Prescription drugs that are often found to be addictive include narcotic painkillers, sedatives or sleeping pills and stimulants. Generally someone has a chronic pain condition or surgery in which he is initially prescribed a prescription drug. Once the physician fails to refill the prescription is where the patient can experience withdrawals such as sweating, flu-like symptoms, increased feelings of pain, depression, anger and overwhelming anxiety. These types of substance abusers may "doctor hop" from office to office just to get the pain pills. They may also end up stealing from family and friends who have the drug on hand.

Marijuana

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a type of psychoactive drug that is illegal in most areas of the United States unless medically necessary. This type of drug is generally purchased illegally off the streets. People are generally addicted to the psychoactive chemical compounds in the drug that dull pain and alter senses. People who abuse this drug find that it impairs their ability to drive, operate machinery and think clearly. Help for marijuana addiction can be found at an outpatient drug treatment center, combined with long term therapy with a behavioral therapist.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful and addictive street drug. This form of substance abuse causes short term bouts of euphoria that last an hour or two. To remain high on the drug, several grams of cocaine may have to be snorted. This can lead to a deadly and dangerous overdose. The downturn of the high of cocaine is what often times fuels the addiction---feelings of depression and dysphoria are often present. Treatment should not be avoided and professional help from an impatient drug rehabilitation unit will assist with the withdrawal symptoms and medical issues surrounding the addiction.

Heroin

Heroin is a type of substance abuse that is highly addictive to individuals. This drug can be snorted, injected via hypodermic needle into the veins, smoked or mixed with other drugs. Heroin is a street drug bought illegally off of the streets and is also illegal to possess. The drug is considered a downer and inhibits drug users with an inability to perceive pain or pleasure. Many heroin users experience long-term health effects from the drug, such as collapsed veins, infections, pulmonary and respiratory issues. Medical treatment for withdrawal is necessary with heroin. Intense behavioral therapy and support is required for a full recovery.