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What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse is the excessive use of, or dependence on, an addictive substance. Though it includes any substance, it most often refers to alcohol and drugs.
By comparison, substance use is a broad term encompassing behaviors from occasionally overindulging to developing an addiction. A third term, substance use disorder (SUD), is the medical diagnosis for substance abuse.
How does substance abuse become an addiction?
The many substances capable of causing dependence and addiction share the same characteristic: They all activate specific areas of your brain, releasing biochemicals that boost your mood, relieve pain, lower inhibitions, help you relax, and cause a euphoric high.
As you keep using the substance, your brain and neurotransmitters change, and before long, your brain needs the substance to function. That’s when you start craving the substance.
Then, your brain gets used to the amount you usually use, and you must keep increasing the dose to get the same effect. At this stage, you have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using or lower the dose — symptoms that you have a physical dependence.
What are the signs of substance abuse?
Taking larger doses and having cravings and withdrawal symptoms are significant signs of substance abuse. However, you may notice other signs, including:
- Needing more time to recover after using the substance
- Wanting to stop but being unable to do it
- Feeling emotionally volatile or angry
- Failing to keep up with responsibilities (school, work, and family)
- Avoiding social activities you used to enjoy
- Using the substance even if you don’t feel well
- Suffering memory loss or blackouts
- Neglecting your grooming
You may also have physical symptoms, such as shaking hands and bloodshot, glossy-looking eyes.
How is substance abuse treated?
Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center has a team of specialists trained and experienced in outpatient substance abuse treatment. They offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a program proven to treat opioid and alcohol abuse in teens and adults.
MAT supports detox and recovery with a combination of prescription medications and counseling. The medications (Suboxone®, Sublocade®, Vivitrol®, Subutex®, and others) stop cravings and withdrawal, while counseling helps people understand why they turn to alcohol and drugs and learn coping skills supporting recovery.
The Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center team can help no matter what substance you rely on. Call the nearest office or use online booking today to schedule an appointment.