Substance abuse and addiction are two completely different conditions. Individuals suffering from the problem of substance abuse can work alone and quit it. On the other hand, an addict needs professional help to overcome the condition.
Then again, this does not mean that substance abuse should be taken lightly. Using alcohol, legal and illegal substances, and prescription medicines way too much or inappropriately is a serious problem.
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Signs that say you are abusing a substance
Every drug, legal or illegal, is comprised of chemicals that can alter your mental and physical health. Certain drugs can give you a pleasurable euphoric feeling, lessen your stress level, and overall help you forget about any and every life problem. Every substance user thinks that he/she is in control, but with time how much they are using goes out of their hands.
In some cases, substance abuse gradually turns into an addiction. In such a scenario, it is best to seek help from reputed rehab centers like San Fernando Valley Rehab. This center is managed by Concise Recovery Rehab. They offer personalized treatment options as they understand that every individual and the severity of their addiction is different.
There are a few sure shot signs that tell that you are abusing a substance. These signs include:
- Lacking or avoiding things that once you used to enjoy
- Continuously changing your friend circle
- Avoiding socializing
- Not paying attention to yourself
- Developing irregular eating habits
- Forming odd sleeping hours
- Feeling uncomfortable and having problems with family members and colleagues
- Experiencing sudden mood swings
- Craving for the substance uncontrollably
What is harmful substance use?
As per health officials, substance use that causes serious disabilities is substance abuse. These disabilities include:
- physical or mental impairments
- Health issues
- Lack of control
- Social issues
- Failing to fulfill day to day responsibilities
In simple words-
- If you are drinking enough to experience frequent hangovers
- If you are using enough drugs that you have to miss school or work
- If you are smoking enough that you have lost family and friends
This means you are at a level where you are abusing a substance.
Illegal Drugs
Usually, when anyone talks about substance abuse or even addiction, they are referring to the involvement with illegal drugs. Abused illegal drugs change your mood, cloud your judgments, oddly twist your perceptions, change your reactions, etc. and all this can put you in danger. There is a reason why these drugs are identified as illegal. They are addictive and can cause serious health conditions.
Abusing prescription drugs
With time, misusing prescription drugs has risen substantially. The NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) estimates that almost 8 to 12 percent of patients who are prescribed pain relievers develop substance abuse conditions.
Throughout the US, there are 3 classes of prescription drugs that are commonly misused, they are:
- Opioids
- Central nervous system depressants
- Stimulants
Recreational Substance Use
Certain individuals argue that using substances casually and solely for recreational reasons is not abuse, and is not harmful. Well, if you feel the need to repeatedly use a substance, it means it is abuse.
To conclude it can be said that confronting the idea that you are suffering from substance abuse is necessary. Substance abuse is affecting your life and those around you adversely, and thus it must be taken care of as soon as possible.