Alcohol and Drug Abuse

People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons, but it is clear that our society and family members pay a significant cost. The toll for this abuse can be seen in our hospitals and emergency departments through direct damage to health by substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons tally daily the strong connection between crime and drug dependence and abuse. Although the use of some drugs such as cocaine has declined, the use of other drugs such as heroin and "club drugs" has increased.

• Finding effective treatment for and prevention of substance abuse has been difficult. Through research, we now have a better understanding of the behaviors and factors that lead to substance abuse. Studies have made it clear that drug education and prevention aimed at children and adolescents offers the best chance to curb abuse nationally.
• It is estimated that the number of users of illicit drugs in the United States is about 13 million. In addition, it is estimated that 10% of Americans abuse or are dependent on alcohol, and 25% of Americans smoke cigarettes.

Abused substances produce some form of intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention, or physical control.

Many substances can bring on a withdrawal reaction - an effect caused by cessation or reduction in the amount of the substance used. Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety to seizures and hallucinations. Drug overdose may also cause death.

Friends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment.
Signs to watch for include the following:

• Giving up past activities such as sports, homework, or hanging out with new friends
• Declining grades, aggressiveness and irritability, forgetfulness
• Disappearing money or valuables, feeling rundown, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal
• Sounding selfish and not caring about others, and avoiding friends or family in order to get drunk or high
• Use of room deodorizers and incense and finding paraphernalia such as baggies, small boxes, pipes, and rolling paper
• Getting drunk or high on drugs on a regular basis
• Lying, particularly about how much alcohol or other drugs he or she is using
• Planning drinking in advance, hiding alcohol, drinking or using other drugs alone
• Having to drink more to get the same high or constantly talking about drinking or using other drugs
• Believing that in order to have fun you need to drink or use other drugs
• Frequent hangovers and pressuring others to drink or use other drugs
• Taking risks, including sexual risks and having "blackouts"-forgetting what he or she did the night before
• Getting in trouble with the law, drinking and driving or suspensions from school or work for an alcohol or drug-related incident

Most substances abusers believe they can stop using drugs on their own, but a majority who try do not succeed. Research shows that long-term drug use alters brain function and strengthens compulsions to use drugs. This craving continues even after your drug use stops.

Because of these ongoing cravings, the most important component of treatment is preventing relapse. Treating substance abuse depends on both the person and the substance being used. Behavioral treatment provides you with strategies to cope with your drug cravings and ways to avoid relapse. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as nicotine patches and Buproprion, to control withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.

Often, a drug user has an underlying mental disorder that increases the risk for substance abuse. Such disorders must be treated medically and through counseling along with the drug abuse therapies and twelve step programs.

Call us at 301.984.9791 to discuss your needs or to schedule an appointment.