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sMany people enjoy a few drinks after work on occasion or take prescription drugs to alleviate pain or help them sleep without a problem. Sometimes, however, the use of alcohol or drugs, whether prescription or illicit, can escalate into a serious problem that can interfere not only with school and work, but relationships and family life as well.

Few people want to admit they have a problem. They may be in denial, or they may not think they are addicted. If you are unsure of whether or not you have a substance abuse problem, the following warning signs can help you determine whether or not you should seek help:

• Your drug use or drinking becomes a priority. This can include skipping school or work, procrastinating on projects, or choosing to drink or do drugs over spend time at home or with your family.
• You tell yourself you need to stop. Wanting to stop but feeling unable to do so is an indication of a substance abuse problem.
• You’re getting into legal trouble. DUIs, possession of drugs or paraphernalia, public intoxication, or other problems with the law are an indication of a substance abuse problem.
• You neglect other activities. Things you used to enjoy or make time for may no longer interest you, or you would rather drink or do drugs instead.
• Your relationships are strained. Increasing fights with parents, your spouse, or authority figures like bosses or supervisors could indicate a problem.
• Other people have pointed it out. If your friends or family members have suggested you cut back on the drinking or remark that you seem “different,” you may have a substance abuse problem.

These are just a few of many warning signs you may have a substance abuse problem and need help. Seeking help sooner rather than later can help you overcome your problem sooner and easier.

Tags: Substance Abuse
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Substance abuse is a widespread problem that affects all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. It is not limited to illegal drugs; in fact, substance abuse is categorized as using any type of substance—whether it’s a prescription drug, alcohol, or over-the-counter medication—in a way other than it is indicated for. Typically, people use drugs or alcohol to achieve a high, escape problems, or alter their moods in some way.

Sometimes, it is difficult to tell if someone has a problem with drugs or alcohol or is abusing some type of substance. If you think a loved one or friend has a problem, some of the most common warning signs include:

• Sudden decrease in performance in school or work. For example, a straight-A student begins failing classes or an otherwise dependable worker begins missing deadlines
• Sudden unexplained absences. Missing a lot of school or taking much more sick days than normal can indicate a problem.
• Acting secretly or suspiciously. This can include becoming nervous when someone enters their bedroom, excusing themselves to their car or the restroom frequently, or acting nervous for no apparent reason.
• Difference in personality. This can include severe mood swings, sudden outbursts of temper, or extreme emotions.
• Acting jittery, hyper, or overly talkative and jumpy.
• Becoming increasingly withdrawn or depressed. This is a common symptom in teens.
• Sudden need for money. If someone who was previously financially secure is suddenly asking for loans or seems to have money problems, it could indicate funds are being spent on drugs.
• Physical changes such as sudden weight loss or gain, acting impaired, or sudden changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping too much or frequent insomnia.

These are just a few symptoms. If your friend or loved one is experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s a good idea to encourage them to seek help.

Tags: Substance Abuse
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When the term “substance abuse” is mentioned, some people may think it includes just illegal drugs. However, substance abuse is a problem that includes a wide range of substances. In fact, most doctors and medical professionals agree that substance abuse includes the use of virtually any substance to achieve a high or alter a mood in some way.

Some of the more common types of substance abuse include:

• Alcohol. Many people enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine and can function perfectly normal. Others come to depend on alcohol as a way to relieve stress or depression. As a result, the dependence negatively affects their relationships, their jobs, and their lives in general.
• Prescription drugs. The use of prescription drugs illegally has skyrocketed in recent years. More and more people are using painkillers, ADHD medication, sleeping pills, and many other drugs as a way to get high rather than treat an illness. More often than not, these drugs are not even prescribed to them.
• Over-the-counter medications. For many people, substance abuse comes from medications like cold and cough medicine that can be purchased by anyone at a local drug store.
• Illicit drugs. Substance abuse can also take the form of drugs like marijuana, crack, heroine, and LSD, to name a few of many. Possession of these illegal drugs can land a person in jail for years at a time and ruin lives and finances in the process.
• Household items. Sniffing glue, huffing aerosol cans, and using other household items to get high or alter moods is also a form of substance abuse.

As you can see, substance abuse is not just using illegal drugs. It can come in many forms, and more often than not, relatives, co-workers, and friends may not even know the person has a problem with substance abuse.

Tags: Substance Abuse
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