Definition

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.It can be hard to understand why people become addicted to drugs. It's often mistakenly assumed that drug abusers lack moral principles or willpower and should just choose to change their behavior. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, in which quitting involves more than good intentions or a strong will. Since drugs change the brain, quitting is extremely difficult, even for those who are ready to change.

 

Causes

Like many other conditions and diseases, a person's vulnerability differs between individuals. Family history of addiction, abuse, neglect, traumatic experiences, mental disorders, early use, and the method of using may all be risk factors.The complex disorder of addiction drastically effects the brain. A surge of dopamine goes to your brain while using recreational drugs, causing it to crave the feelings of the drug repeatedly.

 

Symptoms

Early signs that could increase risk of substance abuse is lack of nuturing by their caregiver, ineffective parenting, or a caregiver that abuses drugs. Later symptoms include neglecting responsibilities, building up a tolerance for the drug, abandoning activities you enjoy, and continuing to use the drug even though you know it's hurting you.

 

Treatment

No single treatment is effective for everyone. Each individual is unique and needs to be assessed and monitored. Effective treatment will attend to multiple needs of the person suffering, not just the drug abuse. Also, medication and behavior therapy may help contribute to the healing process. Since addiction is so powerful, remaining in treatment for an adequate amount of time is critical. Treatment doesn't need to be voluntary to be affective, but it does need to be executed properly and precisely