Substance Abuse Facts & Resources

Some people say it's a crime worthy of incarceration. Others call it a sickness that needs to be treated. Others still have gone as far as to call it a conspiracy against the lower class and minorities. No matter what people's opinions are, there can be no denying that substance abuse is and has been one of society's biggest problems.

Substance abuse affects millions of people across the country. A 2009 survey performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 8.7 percent of people over the age of 12 had admitted to illicit drug use in the past month. While drug and alcohol use among teens has declined somewhat in recent years, the rate at which young people use and abuse drugs and alcohol is still cause for concern. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that tobacco use among teens was at an all-time low in 2009, with only 8.9 percent of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 admitting to using tobacco. Meanwhile, the use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine has been on the rise. Furthermore, NIDA has also reported that 30.2 million people admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year according to the survey.

There is no question that substance abuse is still a major problem in our society. Of course, the most obvious problems associated with substance abuse and addictions are the health issues they can cause. Many who are addicted to drugs can suffer brain damage, respiratory damage, liver damage: in the case of alcohol abuse: and dental damage when methamphetamine use is a problem. Many illicit substances can even kill users in the case of overdoses, something that can occur all too easily as the body builds up a tolerance to a substance. Addiction can affect other aspects of one's life as well. Many people who have substance abuse problems often find that they are unable to find and keep steady employment and those that do often pose a risk to others on the job if they arrive to work even slightly intoxicated. Drug-related problems in the workplace are just some of the reasons why the economic cost of substance abuse was a staggering $180.9 billion in 2002. Furthermore, drug addicts who have children have often been known to neglect them, as many of these parents place their habits above the need for their children to have proper medical care and shelter.

Commonly Abused Substances

Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other commonly abused substances can come in many forms. Some of these are more harmful and addictive than others and some are, of course, legal and arguably safe when used responsibly. They all have the potential to be abused however, and that abuse can be very dangerous. These are a few of the substances that are more commonly abused by teens and adults alike:

  • Tobacco: Tobacco is a plant found in cigarettes, cigars and in smokeless forms, such as chew or snuff. It is usually smoked in cigarettes, cigars or pipes, but it can also be chewed or snorted. The active ingredient in tobacco is nicotine, which increases blood pressure and heart rate in addition to being very addictive. Long-term tobacco use can result in chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer in various parts of the body such as the mouth, larynx and lungs. It can also have adverse effects to an unborn child if it is used by the mother during pregnancy.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is of course found in numerous drinks such as wine, beer and liquor. In small doses, alcohol can create a state of mild euphoria and lower one's inhibitions. Larger doses cause slurred speech, nausea, drowsiness, a lack of coordination, visual distortions, sexual dysfunction, and loss of consciousness. Especially large doses can even be fatal. Long-term health risks of alcohol include depression cirrhosis of the liver, depression, neurological problems, and fetal damage when consumed by pregnant women. It can also be physically and psychologically addictive.
  • Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids include both marijuana and hashish, both of which can be either smoked or swallowed. These substances cause euphoria, relaxation, slow reaction times, and impaired coordination. It can also have serious negative effects such as paranoia, increased heart rate, anxiety, and even psychosis. Cannabinoids aren't as physically addictive as many other substances, but they have been known to be psychologically addictive. The fact that they are often smoked also may lead to respiratory problems similar to those seen with tobacco use, albeit less severe.
  • Opioids: Opioids include heroin and opium. The use of these drugs causes euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, and a general lack of coordination. Long-term effects include constipation and addiction as well as the risk of a fatal overdose. Because heroin is often injected, users have the added risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis from contaminated needles.
  • Stimulants: Stimulants cover a number of drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines that increase the heart rate and create a feeling of exhilaration and alertness in the user. They can also cause tremors, irritability, anxiety, reduced appetite, and psychosis. They are very addictive and long-term use can result in severe weight loss, cardiovascular complications and the increased risk of seizures. Cocaine can also cause nasal damage when it is snorted, while methamphetamine use can result in severe dental problems.
  • Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens are substances that can create an altered sense of perception and feeling (hallucinations, in other words) in the user. They can also cause nausea, tremors, sleeplessness, feelings of anxiety or panic, and impulsive behavior. Some of the more common hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline and psilocybin ("magic mushrooms").

Prescription drug abuse is associated with three types of prescription drugs; Opioids, CNS suppressants, and stimulants. Opioid addictions are extremely dangerous and may need methadone treatment to recover from. CNS suppressants are very commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and withdrawal without treatment can be extremely dangerous. Stimulants, such as Adderal, can leave patients with the same withdrawal symptoms as cocaine. Prescription drug abuse is very dangerous and can become a problem very quickly. Using prescription drugs inappropriately can quickly disrupt a patient’s neurological pathways, disrupting the ability to feel pleasure from normal activities. Medical complications can also be extremely dangerous leading to seizures, anxiety, depression, and even death. All drug addictions need to be properly evaluated by a medical professional to avoid complications.

Resources for Those with Substance Abuse Problems

Many times people do not feel that they have a problem with substance abuse, but they are actually completely dependent on them. Also, it is common for people to become addicted to the painkillers and drugs they are prescribed after an injury or accident. While the need for the medication may be over, the addiction is not.

If you or someone you know has a problem with substance abuse, there is help available. One of the most well-known alcohol treatment programs in the world is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA has several chapters all over the world dedicated to helping those struggling with alcoholism to become sober and fix the damage that has been done to their lives. You can visit them online and find a chapter near you. There are also countless other drug and alcohol treatment centers all over the country, some of which will most definitely be in your area. For a more comprehensive listing of treatment centers across the country and to find other resources that may prove useful in helping a loved one recover from an addiction, visit the Alcohol Drug Abuse Help & Resource Center.

People have treatment options available for overcoming substance abuse. Generally, people that rely on substances to function cannot stop on their own and need professional help. To help understand substance abuse and the treatment options, we have assembled the following collection of resources:

Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse

Teen prescription drug abuse has skyrocketed in only the past few years. Prescription drugs are readily available at school or in the medicine cabinets at their own homes. Parents need to be especially careful with controlled substances and add prescription drug abuse to their discussions about the harmful effects of drugs. Teens are especially vulnerable due to peer pressure and the ease of accessibility in the illegal use of prescription drugs. 

The Elderly and Prescription Drug Abuse

Elderly patients are also at risk for prescription drug abuse. Many elderly patients suffer from tremendous pain and have difficulties remembering to take their medications. Developing a system for preventing abuse is essential to ensuring elderly patients do not become addicts. This should include monitoring daily medication intake and refill time periods.

Substance Abuse Signs

Substance Abuse Symptoms

Substances

Substance Abuse Help

Substance Abuse Prevention

Sources

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