Substance Abuse White Plains
Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of drug misuse that may cause significant physical and psychological problems, problems at work or school, reckless driving and substance-related problems with the law. Substance abuse can interfere with relationships and family responsibilities. It is a brain condition that involved to the abuse of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, meth or legal substances including nicotine, alcohol or prescription medications. Alcohol is generally the most popular legal drug of abuse, used at social gatherings or special events.
Substance abuse can develop even when serious problems have developed. Some signs of dependence may include:
- Strong tolerance to the drug prompt a need for larger doses in order to produce the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drug use stops
- Wasting time recovering from the effects of drug use
- Withdrawing from social and fun activities
Continue using drugs in spite of family or social problems and devastating psychological or physical effects caused by the drug dependence.
Substances most often abused
Some of the substances most frequently abused include:
- Tobacco
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Prescribed drugs
- Meth
- Opiates
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Anabolic steroids
Common causes of drug dependence
Social factors can regulate the acceptable forms of these substances. Public laws dictate whether the type of drug used is illegal or not. These medical conditions, chemical abuse and dependency, are caused by several factors such as genes, the environment, social pressures, personality and psychiatric problems. Nevertheless, it's hard to determine which of these factors has the strongest influence.
Symptoms of drug dependence
Some common behaviors can show when an individual is having a problem with substance abuse. Nevertheless, each individual may experience these symptoms in a different way. The symptoms may include:
- Abusing drugs or getting intoxicated regularly
- Lying about drug use, particularly about the amount of drugs taken
- Avoiding loved ones
- Quitting recreational activities including sports or spending time with sober friends
- The main topic of conversation becomes drugs or alcohol
- Needing drugs or alcohol in order to have fun
- Telling others to use drugs or drink
- Problems with the law
- Unsafe sexual practices and driving under the influence
- Poor work and school performance
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
Drug or alcohol abuse symptoms may look like other medical or psychiatric conditions. It's advisable to always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment
White Plains drug treatment centers can help review your treatment options. A variety of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for addiction are available. These programs are designed based on the type of substance abused. Detox and ongoing maintenance treatment are essential features of a successful treatment approach. Long-term support usually includes formalized group meetings and a psychosocial support system. Individual, group and family psychotherapy are often suggested to deal with issues that may have contributed to and may have caused a substance abuse disorder. Call today at 914-368-0277 to explore your options for recovery.