What is Substance Abuse?
Are you or a loved one struggling through a crisis moment? Has addiction–paired with trauma, life changes, or unforeseen circumstances–driven you to a breaking point? Substance abuse drives individuals to become dependent on substances, even when their continued use presents emotional, mental, and physical problems for the addict and their loved ones. Examples of substance abuse include but are not limited to meth, cocaine, and prescription drug addiction. If you or a loved one spends time, money, and other resources to keep using despite the consequences, then you may be an addict. If you neglect important and basic responsibilities in favor of using, then you may be an addict. If you are aware of the financial, medical, legal, social, and mental consequences of using, but continue to use, then substance abuse may have a hold on your life.
Substance Abuse vs. Addiction
There’s often confusion between substance abuse and substance addiction. In fact, the two are sometimes used interchangeably; however, there are some key differences between the two:
- Substance abuse appears more casual, while addiction typically has more serious symptoms such as continuing to use despite negative.
- Addiction is almost always associated with withdrawal symptoms.
- Addiction is a mental disorder or disease, while substance abuse is not necessarily a diagnosis.
- Substance abuse alters the brain briefly, while substance addiction has a permanent effect on the brain.
Signs of Substance Abuse
- Changes in routine — Dramatic changes in habits, priorities and/or friends
- Sleep issues – Sleeping too much, having trouble sleeping or sleeping at odd hours.
- Health issues — Lethargy, abrupt weight changes, red eyes, constricted or dilated pupils.
- Appearance changes — Body odor, lack of interest in grooming or looking unkempt.
- Behavior changes – Irrational behavior or mood swings, increased conflicts with family, friends, coworkers or sudden isolation.
Is My Loved One an Addict?
Have you noticed strange bank account activity or ATM withdrawals? Have your loved one’s work hours suddenly changed, or are they unable to keep a job? Are trips to the grocery store taking longer than expected? Does your loved one exhibit physical signs of addiction like vomiting, swollen facial features, dilated pupils or minimal pupils, weight loss, and/or loss of appetite? Is your loved one dishonest, erratic, and unpredictable? If so, he or she may be an addict in need of residential treatment.
The Estate Approach
As one of the only privately owned, stand-alone drug rehab centers in MS, the Estate treats a wide range of addictions with a unique, effective Dual Diagnosis approach. Designed to address the core of each client’s experience with substance abuse, our program helps those who are ready to help themselves and break the deadly cycle of addiction. Our nature-based, holistic programming–combined with our clinical and therapeutic expertise – allows us to help addicts become advocates for long-term recovery.
Additional Information on Substance Abuse
Whether its marijuana, alcohol, prescription medication or street drugs like cocaine and heroin, substance abuse is a serious problem that can spiral into full-blown addiction. If you suspect your loved one’s occasional, recreational substance use is becoming something more, we can help. Our nature-based approach to substance abuse treatment offers a unique and powerful experience to guide your loved one toward a different path.
Defining Drug Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) characterizes drug addiction as compulsive drug seeking and continued use despite harmful consequences. Both a brain disorder and a mental illness, drug addiction is caused by repeated misuse of a substance or substances and is the most severe form of substance use disorders.
Drug addiction can affect anyone at any age. It doesn’t happen because of a lack of principles or willpower; drugs change the brain in a way that makes quitting extremely difficult on your own once addicted.
What’s more, ‘illicit drug use’ doesn’t just include cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health has found the most common type of illicit drug use is actually marijuana, followed by the misuse of prescription pain relievers.
Signs of Drug Addiction
• Problems at school or work — Frequent absences, sudden disinterest or poor performance.
• Health issues — Low energy, lack of motivation, weight loss or gain, frequent red eyes.
• Neglected appearance — Lack of interest in grooming and/or clothing.
• Behavior changes – Irrational behavior or mood swings, being secretive, increased conflicts with family and friends or sudden isolation.
• Money issues – Sudden requests for money without explanation or stealing money or other items.
