 |
 |
West
Slope Casa, LLC
PO Box 3410 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602-3410
970-945-8661 phone 970-947-9265 fax
carmen@westslopecasa.org
|
What is
Substance Abuse?
Alcohol and drug addition are treatable disorders. Much like heart disease or
diabetes, treatment is available to help patients learn to control their
condition and live normal, productive lives.
In medical terms, a drug is any substance (including alcohol) that when taken
into a living organism may modify one or more of its functions. Drugs can
provide temporary relief from unhealthy symptoms and/or permanently supply the
body with a necessary substance the body can no longer make. Some drugs produce
unwanted side affects. In large enough doses, all drugs are toxic. Some drugs
lead to an unhealthy dependency that has both physiological and behavioral
roots.
There are three categories of substance abuse:
-
Use: The occasional use of alcohol or other drugs
without developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when not in use.
-
Abuse: The continued use of alcohol or other
drugs even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially,
physically, or psychologically.
-
Dependence: At least three of the following
factors must be present:
-
Substance is taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than the
person intended.
-
A persistent desire with unsuccessful efforts to control the use.
-
Large periods of time spent obtaining, taking, or recovering from, the
substance.
-
Frequent periods of intoxication or detoxification especially when social and
major role obligations are expected (school, social situations, etc.).
-
Continued use even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems
socially, physically, and/or psychologically.
-
Increased tolerance.
-
Withdrawal symptoms.
-
Substance taken to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Substance abuse treatment is not just a set of expected outcomes, such as
abstinence, but a framework of supports and skills which, when applied, allow
the individual to function as a valued, contributing member of the community.
If you or someone you know would like information on WSC treatment options,
CLICK HERE for a listing of WSC providers in your area,.
|