Substance abuse affects millions of people all over the country every year. From alcohol and drugs to prescription medications, overuse of these substances has the potential of causing serious long-term effects both physically and emotionally.
Learn more about what substance abuse is so you can help your loved one, while also recognizing the risk factors and the impact they can lead to.
What is substance abuse?
The repeated pattern of excessively consuming alcohol, doing drugs, or using prescriptions is known as substance abuse. Heavy use of these substances can eventually lead to physical health problems and major mental health conditions.
When there are issues of substance abuse, they are usually related to:
- Alcohol
- Opiates (morphine, heroin, fentanyl, codeine, and others)
- Adderall, cocaine, and other stimulants
- Sedatives like Valium or Xanax
- Marijuana
- Phencyclidine (also called “PCP”)
- Hallucinogens
- Anabolic Steroids
- Cigarettes or other nicotine products
- Inhalants
It’s common for people to start out by managing their consumption of these substances, but it can later change into an addiction or lead to chemical dependency.
Risk factors for substance abuse
Items on this list don’t guarantee someone will struggle with substance abuse, but they can be considered risk factors that make it more likely.
Age when first tried
The earlier in their life someone tries any of the substances listed above, the more likely they are to develop a disorder when they get older. With millions of teens trying alcohol before they turn 21 years old (legal drinking age), this is one of the most common risk factors.
Big changes to lifestyle
A large number of people develop substance use disorders following a major life event such as a family member passing away, going through a divorce, getting fired, or getting injured. They depend on substances to remove the emotional or physical pain that occurred due to the negative event.
Hereditary
When a person has blood-related family members who have or are currently dealing with substance abuse, they’re scientifically more likely to do the same. Genetics are considered the main cause for up to 75% of people who develop substance use disorders.
No personal support system
Anyone who finds themselves feeling alone and with no support group could turn to alcohol or drugs in times of trouble or pain. They’re more prone to substance abuse because they don’t have people to rely on or talk to when needed.
Pre-existing conditions
When a person has a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, they are more likely to seek relief from drugs, alcohol, or prescription meds. Other pre-existing conditions that could lead to substance abuse include psychological trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Effects of substance abuse
When substance use disorder occurs, the person will likely suffer from a wide range of short and long-term effects. When it comes to substance, the most common effects include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Liver damage or failure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Limited appetite
- Poor life choices
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Lack of concentration
- Weakening immune system
- Short-term memory loss
- Stomach pains
- Stroke or seizures
Substance abuse effects on the brain
Substances like marijuana, cocaine, and nicotine are known to provide a euphoric “high”, which is sometimes called the “reward” effect. Substance abuse negatively impacts the limbic system in the brain that normally handles a person’s emotions and overall behavior.
The more someone uses these substances, the more likely they are to see effects on their brain including memory problems, trouble concentrating, and issues with general cognitive functioning. Occasionally, substance abuse can lead to permanent brain damage as well.
What are the signs of substance abuse?
The signs and symptoms of substance abuse are contingent upon a person’s current mental health condition as well as the substance they’re using. You may see some similarities between various types but there are few things to watch out for in general.
Common signs of substance abuse are:
- Frequently drinking or doing drugs throughout the day
- Needing more of the substance for it to take effect
- Constantly concentrated on getting their next dose
- Having a supply of the substance readily available at all times
- Stealing the substance or getting it illegally
- Continued substance use after negative life impacts
- Driving or being in public while under the influence
- Spending more time recovering than normal
- Inability to stop using drugs or alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms when without the substance
As time goes on, people with substance use disorder will likely begin to have trouble at school or work. This could mean ditching classes or taking multiple sick days from week to week. Poor hygiene, financial problems, and major behavioral changes are additional signs of substance abuse.
Find help for mental health conditions
It is nearly impossible to manage substance abuse by yourself, which means it is crucial to get help for you or your loved one.
The Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital doesn’t specifically offer substance abuse treatment when it is a primary condition. However, we do offer treatment programs and support for a variety of mental health conditions and can assist with substance use disorder as a secondary condition.
Get in touch with our team today so that you, your friend, or your family member can get the help that is needed.