SUBSTANCE ABUSE

(Drug Abuse & Addiction)

 Basic information

description

• Substance abuse is the continuing misuse of any mind altering substances or chemicals. There is a loss of self-control and a compulsion to continue despite adverse personal, physical, mental, and social outcomes that may result. Common substances of abuse include:
  • Nicotine and alcohol.
  • Marijuana.
  • Amphetamines; barbiturates; cocaine.
  • Opiates. These include codeine, heroin, opium, morphine, methadone, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.
  • Anabolic steroids.
  • Psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs (club drugs), including PCP ("angel dust"), mescaline, GHB, and LSD.
  • Volatile substances, such as glue, solvents, and paints that are inhaled.
  • Misuse of the cough remedy dextromethorphan.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms vary depending on the substance of abuse.
• A temporary pleasant mood.
• Relief from anxiety.
• False feelings of self-confidence and being in control.
• Increased sensitivity to sights and sounds (including hallucinations).
• Altered activity levels-either lethargy and sleep-like states, or frenzied states (being very active).
• Unpleasant or painful symptoms when the abused substance is no longer used (withdrawal).
• Tolerance (need more of the substance to get "high").
• People may observe new and odd behavior changes.

causes

For most people, the first time use of a substance of abuse is voluntary. Repeated use causes changes in the brain and leads to addiction. It is a disease, not just a matter of willpower.

risk increases with

• Family history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Family problems (conflict, stress, lack of closeness, poor parenting, loss of job, physical or sexual abuse).
• Genetic factors (may be more prone to addiction).
• Peer pressure, especially in teenagers.
• Fatigue or overwork; problems at work or school.
• Ease of obtaining the substances of abuse.
• Emotional problems, including depression, dependency, poor self-esteem, anxiety, and stress.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Don't socialize with persons who abuse drugs.
• Get medical help for emotional or mental problems.
• Parents who are involved in a child's life.
• Drug education and prevention programs.

expected outcomes

Successful recovery from substance abuse can improve all aspects of one's life. It is not easy, but it can be done.

possible complications

• Accidents, infections, and other health problems.
• Relapse after treatment.
• Loss of job or family. Risk of involvement in crime and violence. Legal problems. Death due to overdose.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Treatment can be voluntary or involuntary. Family, legal, or job factors may lead a person into treatment.
• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood studies and substance abuse screening studies.
• No single treatment works for everyone. A plan needs to address the person's type of abuse, their physical and emotional health, and job, social, and legal aspects. A person is rarely able to quit without some help.
• The plan may require a combination of counseling, drug therapy, other medical services, family therapy, parenting instruction, job training, and social and legal services. Treatment may take 3 months, or up to a year.
• Counseling (group or alone) is important in recovery.
• Physical symptoms of withdrawal will be treated.
• Join a local support group (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous). Learn more: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services; (877) 726-4727; website: www.samhsa.gov.

medications

Your health care provider may prescribe drugs to help you through withdrawal symptoms. Other drugs may be prescribed to treat emotional or mental problems.

activity

No limits. Try to exercise 20 to 30 minutes every day.

diet

Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Take vitamins.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has a problem with, or has symptoms of, substance abuse.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop.

Special Notes: