What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. When substance use begins to interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or health, it may have progressed to a substance use disorder.
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain's structure and how it works.
Commonly Abused Substances
Warning Signs of Substance Abuse
Signs that someone may have a substance abuse problem include:
- Using substances in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances
- Craving or strong desire to use
- Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home
- Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems
- Giving up important activities because of substance use
- Using in situations where it is physically hazardous
- Continued use despite knowing it causes physical or psychological problems
- Tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Risk Factors
No single factor determines whether a person will develop a substance use disorder. Risk factors that increase vulnerability include:
- Genetics: Family history of addiction
- Environment: Peer pressure, stress, parental involvement
- Early use: Starting substance use at a young age
- Mental health: Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Trauma: History of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
The Path to Recovery
Recovery from substance abuse is possible. Effective treatment approaches include:
- Behavioral counseling (individual, group, family)
- Medication-assisted treatment (for certain substances)
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health issues
- Long-term follow-up and continuing care
- Support groups and peer support
Treatment must address the whole person, not just the drug use. Successful treatment programs address an individual's needs, which may include medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal concerns.
Supporting a Loved One
If someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse:
- Learn about addiction as a disease
- Express concern without judgment
- Offer support for seeking treatment
- Take care of yourself and set boundaries
- Consider family counseling or support groups
- Don't enable continued use
Get Help Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Contact the 24/7 crisis line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or visit our Services page for resources.