Substance abuse and addiction are serious problems but some people are afraid to talk about them. Many are in denial of their substance or drug addiction problems. And most of the time when they come to a point where they realize that something is wrong, it’s too late. Before you intervene, it is crucial that you have a full understanding of what substance abuse is all about.
Substance Abuse vs Addiction
Substance abuse should not be taken lightly. It happens when alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances, both legal and illegal, are abused or used in the wrong way. However, you have to remember that substance abuse and addiction are two situations that are not the same and should be dealt with differently.
When a person is abusing a substance, you are able to quit or stop this unhealthy habit. Addiction on the other hand is considered a disease. You can stop it but most of the time with the help of treatment programs.
Commonly Abused Substances
Some people think then when talking about substance abuse and addiction, it only pertains to illegal drugs. But there are different substances that a person can be abusing or be addicted to. That is why before you consider getting rehab, you should know the substance that you are dealing with.
- Drugs (Legal and Illegal). Abusing drugs does not only include illegal drugs but also those that are considered legal. These drugs contain chemicals that affect the mind and the body. Some use drugs to ease stress or achieve a pleasurable ‘high.’
- Almost all adults drink alcohol, but to what extent can you have and consider it an abuse of the substance? If you drink too much and do it too often, then there is a great chance that you could consider yourself a heavy drinker. But how much is too much? For a man, you have too much alcohol if you have more than four drinks a day. And for a woman, excessive drinking means you have more than three drinks a day.
- Cigarette and Tobacco. They might not be drugs but they contain a chemical called ‘nicotine’ that will give the user a bit of rush of energy and pleasure. And if you abuse it, then it leaves you wanting even more.
- Prescription and OTC Medications. Prescription drugs can be difficult to obtain since you need to get them from a doctor. Still, abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications happen when someone takes them when it’s supposed to be prescribed for someone else, or when the prescription is theirs but they take more than what they need. The most common prescription drugs that are abused are opioid pain relief medications, anxiety, and sleep medications, as well as those used to treat ADHD.
There are drug treatment centers in New Jersey. That is why you should not be afraid to find help, maybe for you or for someone you know that is battling with drug and substance addiction. Visit Rehab Now online and you can find here the closest treatment center near you as well as in other parts of the country.
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