Substance Abuse and Addiction

If you regularly drink or take drugs to cope with depression and stress, or feel a growing temptation to do so, be proactive about the situation now -- before things get out of control. Start by taking a self-assessment test to determine if you might... Full Answer

If the thought of giving up a habit for a week produces anxiety, then you may have a problem. There are many definitions of substance abuse, but I have a favorite one that a wise attending physician taught me during medical school. He said that... Full Answer

Treatment options for substance abuse include outpatient detoxification, individual and group therapies and medication management. Self-help groups, support groups and counseling are among other treatment options. Full Answer

Signs of possible substance abuse include: Behavioral changes not otherwise explained Sudden mood changes Restlessness, talkativeness, or irritability Changes in consciousness, including loss of consciousness Slurred speech Poor coordination... Full Answer

Warning signs of teen substance abuse may include:• Secrecy – all of a sudden it’s “not your business.” They want you out of their lives and will not discuss friends, things they buy, or things they are doing.• Finding... Full Answer

Behavioral signs of substance abuse:• Lack of motivation and performance in school or at work• Sudden financial problems or excess spending• Illegal acts such as stealing• Behaviors become secretive and paranoid• Decreased... Full Answer

Drug abuse takes noticeable psychological tolls on users. The signs and symptoms of drug dependence vary depending on the type of drug being abused. Below are some of the psychological warning signs of substance abuse: Unexplained changes in... Full Answer

Because you do not inhale smoke when you use chewing tobacco, many people think they are reducing their risk. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Although the risk of lung cancer is lower among people who use chew or snuff, the risk of other... Full Answer

Physical signs of substance abuse • Bloodshot eyes• Pupils are dilated or pinpointed• Appetite changes – dramatic weight gain or loss• Sleep patterns are abnormal• Physical appearance changes – sloppy, not groomed,... Full Answer

Chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine, which is addictive, and other harmful substances. In addition to not helping you to recover from nicotine addiction, these products still pose serious health concerns. Even if these... Full Answer