Substance Use Disorders

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Alcoholism and Tobacco Abuse

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  Alcohol and tobacco are the most widely used drugs in the world. Despite their legal status and easy availability, both are capable of causing serious health problems.
  
  Many alcoholics start as "social drinkers," consuming alcohol in social situations as a means of lowering inhibitions and fitting in with others. Problems arise when alcohol is needed to feel well upon waking or when drinking occurs in the absence of other people. Heavy drinkers may experience painful and dangerous withdrawals, including heightened anxiety, tremors or seizures upon quitting, making it even more difficult to get clean.
  
  Tobacco addicts share a similar fate. Like alcohol, tobacco use increases the risk for serious diseases like heart disease and various types of cancer. It is also is extremely addictive. According to The New York Times, nicotine---the addictive compound in tobacco products---is harder to quit than heroin. What's more, many smokers are addicted after their first or second time trying tobacco due to its highly addictive nature.

Prescription Drug Abuse

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  Prescription medication addiction is a growing problem in the United States. In 2000, 43 percent of emergency room admissions for drug overdose were due to prescription drug abuse, according to Samhsa.gov. Prescription drugs range in type from stimulants and depressants to opiates and sedatives--all capable of causing mental and physical addiction.
  
  Despite the belief that prescription medications are safer than street drugs, thousands of people die from these substances each year. In some instances, prescription drugs may be more potent than their illegal counterparts due to pharmaceutical purity standards. Among the most commonly abused prescription medications are the opiates OxyContin and hydrocodone, the stimulants Ritalin, and Adderall, Valium and Xanax from the benzodiazepine family.

Illicit Drug Use

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  Illegal drugs are substances that can't be obtained by prescription or over-the-counter, such as heroin or cocaine. Like prescription drugs, illegal drugs vary greatly in their effects. They carry the additional risk of adulteration and unknown purity, increasing the chances of overdose and toxic reactions. The risk of legal troubles and the dangers associated with obtaining street drugs make them a threat to the health and safety of all who use them.
  
  Some of the most commonly used illegal drugs include marijuana, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy. Other substances such as PCP, ketamine and methamphetamine are also prevalent in many cities across the United States.

Signs of Substance Abuse

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  Learning to recognize the signs of substance abuse is an important step in helping prevent overdose, addiction and other drug-related health problems.
  
  Drug abusers often become reclusive, losing interest in long-time hobbies and friends. They may exhibit extreme changes in weight, sleep and eating patterns or have unpredictable mood swings. They often show a preoccupation with using or obtaining their drug of choice, and may engage in illegal activities like doctor shopping or prescription forgery. Other possible signs of drug use include sudden, drastic changes in mood, behavior, personal appearance or friends.

Warning

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  If you or someone you know is abusing drugs, seek professional help immediately to avoid potentially serious health, legal and financial consequences. Centers specializing in drug abuse can treat addiction and help patients live a sober life.