Substance Abuse

Substance abuse means more than just using drugs and alcohol on a regular basis. Two defining characteristics of drug and alcohol abuse are a dependence on a substance and the inability to stop using, despite the negative consequences associated with it.

More than 23 million Americans struggle with an addiction to drugs and alcohol, often putting their lives at risk. People who abuse substances may engage in risky behaviors, steal money to be able to buy more drugs or alcohol, and get into trouble with the law.

The physical symptoms of substance abuse include the following:

  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain
  • Change in sleep pattern
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Neglecting personal grooming habits
  • Slurred speech or impaired coordination
  • Tremors

Substance abuse can lead to substance addiction. People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol have an increasing tolerance to substances, will experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop, and have lost control over the use of substances.

Substance Abuse Treatment

You may feel as though ending your dependence on drugs and alcohol is hopeless, but it isn’t. It is possible to stop relying on substances and learn healthier ways to cope.

A residential treatment center for substance abuse can help you gain the strength you need to stop abusing and start a life free from substances. Substance abuse treatment typically involves individual and group therapy and the use of specialized therapies such as relapse prevention, drug and alcohol counseling, a 12-step modality, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

People often begin abusing drugs or alcohol to mask or deal with the symptoms of another disorder such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, an anxiety disorder, and personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. If you are suffering from a substance abuse disorder and a co-occurring disorder, a treatment center with the proper resources can effectively treat them both.

To find out more about substance abuse treatment, please call an expert at Clearview Women’s Center at [clickpath phone=”800-573-0770″].