Substance abuse or addiction is not a recent phenomenon. It has been there from the beginning of civilization. The word “substance” itself is from the Greek root “sub” meaning the same and “nap” meaning sleep. Substances are present in nature, including alcohol, tobacco smoke, drugs, and poisons like antifreeze, ammonia, etc.
Substance abuse includes a wide spectrum of activities and behaviors. There is a chemical imbalance in the brain which causes a pleasurable feeling or a harmful, unsavory sensation. This change in the brain occurs more often in people who are under peer pressure, or who have unstable or unhealthy lives. Sometimes it is a genetic disposition that predisposes people to substance use disorder; however, in most cases, it is caused by various factors such as poor diet, exposure to drugs and/or alcohol, unemployment, financial instability, and abusive drugs or alcohol.
People use drugs or alcohol to satisfy their needs for the euphoric feelings they get. However, once they become addicted, they cannot stop using even if it ends up ruining their relationships, losing their jobs, getting into legal trouble, and getting into trouble with the law. Drug and alcohol addictions gradually progress to more severe levels and might lead to abuse or addiction. Substance abuse and addiction affect people of all ages, races, income groups, and in every walk of life. Substance abuse and addiction results in terrible suffering and sometimes death.
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs are usually the source of substance abuse and addiction. Prescription drugs are those that a doctor gives to patients for a specific medical condition. Examples of prescription drugs are painkillers, cold and cough syrups, and antibiotics. Over-the-counter drugs are those that can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies and other retail outlets.
Family therapy can be used as a way to help people overcome their dependency on illegal drugs or alcohol. In most cases, drug and alcohol dependencies began in the family of the individual who started using drugs or drank excessively. If left untreated, family therapy can help families to stop using drugs or alcoholism together.
Some drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, are highly addictive. Individuals may feel drawn to these drugs and may feel a sense of uncontrollable power or uncontrollable desire to use these drugs. Other individuals may feel dependent on these drugs for their own personal relief or to cope with everyday stresses. Cocaine or marijuana users may feel paranoid or anxious most of the time and may do extreme things to self to relieve these feelings. As a result, they end up using even more of these drugs to cope with their problems.
Another type of addiction is an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Many individuals consume alcohol or drugs in order to self-medicate anxiety, depression, irritability, or to deal with mood swings. This can be dangerous because if they do not receive help, these substances eventually take over the user’s life. People who abuse alcohol or drugs may need to seek treatment because it destroys their quality of life and destroys their relationships with friends and family.
Some other symptoms include physical withdrawal symptoms, which include nausea, sweating, diarrhea, headaches, and tremors. Individuals who abuse prescription drugs may also develop problems with their heart and lungs. Some drugs, such as marijuana, contain ingredients that are known to affect the brain and central nervous system. If an individual continues to use drugs and alcohol despite the risk of serious health problems, they may need to receive treatment. In addition, it can be very difficult to quit prescription drugs or alcoholism.
