A Guide to Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a widespread problem in America, today, characterized by an array of behavioral, cognitive and physiological symptoms. These symptoms and behavioral patterns typically develop after repeated use, and include:

• A craving for the drug
• Experiencing difficulties controlling one’s consumption thereof
• Continuing to use the substance(s) despite harmful consequences, such as the disintegration of platonic, familiar and romantic relationships
• Prioritizing the drug over any or all other activities and obligations, such as work, spending time with family, religious activity and more
• Becoming increasingly intolerant of others
• Physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, shakiness, anxiety and sweating, to name a few

Drug Addiction: It Can Happen to Anyone

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 9.3 percent of individuals aged 12 or older “needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem in 2009.” That amounts to 23.5 million people. Of those recorded and admitted into publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs in 2008, 23.1 percent of abusers partook only of alcohol. 18.3 percent used alcohol along with another drug. Marijuana was the drug of choice for 17 percent, while 14.1 percent abused heroin, 8.1 percent smoked crack cocaine, 6.5 percent used stimulants and 5.9 percent used opiates other than heroin.

Join the Recovery Movement at South Coast Counseling in Southern California

There is no shame in admitting that you need help. Perhaps a family member or friend of yours is suffering, in which case you are doing the right thing by looking for answers to his or her problem. If you or your loved one is currently experiencing any one or more of these symptoms, please call us immediately.