In the United States, 24 million Americans in 2012 abused an illicit drug. Substance abuse claims the lives of millions of people every year. While millions of people struggle with substance abuse and addiction, many people get the help that they need. The question, “What is substance abuse?” gets asked a lot for a reason. While marijuana is the most common choice, an opioid epidemic has also spread across the country. As scary as the epidemic may be, help is not out of reach. Through treatment, people struggling with addiction can get the substance abuse treatment they need. This means living a better future is obtainable.
So, What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse often starts by overindulging in illicit drugs or alcohol. Before long, these psychoactive substances can lead to dependence syndrome. Without treatment, it can spiral into an addiction. A full-blown addiction can lead to a number of serious mental and physical effects.
Over time, the individual develops a strong desire to use. They may find it impossible to control how much they use. Even when they know that drugs cause harmful consequences, they keep using. Substance abuse can quickly affect all aspects of an individual’s life. Once using a substance becomes a priority over you other daily duties, the addiction becomes even more serious. It may make relationship problems, financial issues, and workplace difficulties more likely.
Signs of Substance Abuse
Sometimes, knowing the answer to “What is substance abuse?” is not enough. Families and patients must know how to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Knowing how to spot addiction can save a loved one’s life. Every type of drug has different side effects and shows itself in different ways.
In the short term, drugs influence the body and brain. They can cause effects like high blood pressure, mood changes, increased heart rate, dizziness, and paranoia. One of the biggest issues with addiction is that the tolerance the user builds requires them to take more of substance. In high doses, drugs can cause an overdose.
Over the long run, substance abuse can cause severe social, physical, and emotional effects. Individuals can develop organ damage, cardiovascular problems, psychosis, and paranoia. High dosages increase the chances of dangerous side effects like respiratory failure, strokes, or coma. Abuse of an extended period of time can often lead to mental health issues.
Getting Help for Substance Abuse
No one deserves to live with the pain of addiction. It is important to remember that substance abuse treatment is available. Through addiction treatment, patients can find out the answer to “What is substance abuse?” and start their recovery. They can create a better future for themselves.
The first step in any treatment program is detox. During this stage, the physical effects of drugs and alcohol are removed. This is the first step of treatment, meaning it is not the final solution. Once you have completed detox, therapy and treatment programs come next. Nutritional programs, doctors, therapists and other programs support patients during their time in rehab. While each program is different, patients can find treatment options that work best for them. Some of the programs that we offer include:
- Men’s detox program
- Women’s detox program
- Group therapy program
- Medical detox program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Every individual is different. For the best treatment, patients should talk to an addiction specialist first. With help, they can determine the right programs, treatment, and detox for their addiction. Detox lays the foundation for a long-term, healthy recovery. To get started on your journey to a healthier life, call Serenity House Detox & Recovery today at 866.516.8356. Do not wait to get help. make the call today.
