Substance Abuse, Addiction and Recovery
Substance abuse refers to the recreational or habitual consumption
of legal and illegal drugs that have addictive properties. Drug
abuse and addiction can lead to many negative effects on health,
relationships and economic status, while increasing... More
Substance abuse refers to the recreational or habitual consumption of legal and illegal drugs that have addictive properties. Drug abuse and addiction can lead to many negative effects on health, relationships and economic status, while increasing exposure to violence and criminal behavior. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that substance abuse in the U.S. costs society an estimated $484 billion annually, compared to $171 billion for cancer.
Drug abuse peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood, when susceptibility to addiction is at its highest and substances are most easily available. Like other kinds of illnesses, substance abuse runs in families, becomes difficult to resolve because of its affects on behavior and environment, and has the potential to improve with proper treatment.
While doctors and treatment centers can help patients with addiction recovery, prevention is the best way to deal with substance abuse. Less
Recently Answered
- Q How common is substance abuse among veterans?
-
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 19 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans receiving VA care have been diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence. In the 2008 U.S. Department of Defense Health Behavior Survey, 27 percent of Army... More
- Q How do medications treat nicotine addiction?
-
Medications used to treat nicotine addiction rewire the brain to not experience the immediate gratification from the nicotine. Gum, inhalers, or a patch provide lower levels of nicotine than a cigarette. As the brain does not get an immediate "high" from... More
- Q How can I overcome an addiction?
-
I do know how hard it is to give up or walk away from an addiction. The suggestion I have for those addicted is to go inside and find your inner strength. Your first strength is in admitting you have an addiction. If you can do this, you have... More
Overcoming addiction can be a long, slow, painful, and often complicated process. But contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily need to go to a rehabilitation center or receive formal treatment to overcome addiction. Many people recover... More
You can overcome an addiction by first admitting you have a problem and seeking treatment. "Overcoming" an addiction is different from "curing" an addiction. If you had diabetes and went to a diabetes clinic, you would be "treated" for diabetes. By the... More
- Q How can I protect my teen from prescription drug abuse?
-
Abuse of prescription medications among teens is rising at an alarming rate, and many teens think that if you or another family member take it, it must be safe. Recreational use can be the gateway to addiction, overdose, or worse. To reduce the risk of... More
To reduce the risk of prescription pilfering, talk openly with your kid about the risks and dispose of medications you no longer need. Powerful prescription pain relievers, stimulants, sedatives, and tranquilizers are finding their way out of the... More
- Q How can I help someone who is addicted to drugs?
-
Most drug users deny that they have a problem and push family and friends away. You may feel helpless, frustrated, and unable to cope. You can get help by contacting a local drug abuse treatment center. You should also: Maintain established limits and... More
Consider whether they are using drugs to self-medicate for some trauma they have experienced. This is especially likely to be true for women who may be covering up the pain of domestic violence or sexual abuse. If it’s true, the addict will not... More
- Q What is addiction?
-
One of the more serious brain-related disorders that is attributed to chemical malfunctions in the brain is addiction. We become addicted to substances that increase or release certain chemicals in our brain. Specifically, those certain substances like... More
There are 2 physical hallmarks of addiction: tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is needing more and more of a substance or behavior to produce the same results. Withdrawal is the presence of symptoms when you try to take the substance or behavior away.... More
Addiction is a strong mental and physical dependence on, most commonly, a drug or other substance. Some substances that can lead to addiction are alcohol, illegal drugs, some prescription medicines, inhalants (such as spray paint), and nicotine. A person... More
