By: Lakeview Health
What is substance abuse? While the answer might seem complicated, it really isn’t that difficult to understand. Before getting help for an addiction, having an answer to that question makes the need for help easier to accept.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Simply, substance abuse is “a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of substance-related disorder.” Substance abuse often leaves the user’s life in total disarray. According to a 2013 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration study, nearly 25% of the population ages 12 or older met this criteria with either drugs or alcohol.
Characteristics of Substance Abuse
People who use drugs and/or alcohol on a regular basis lead everyone to believe that they are simply recreational users. However, there’s a fine line between recreational use and abuse. 12-step programs and most treatment centers define substance abuse and addiction based on a simple concept. If the use of any particular substance directly or indirectly affects someone’s life adversely, it’s substance abuse. Based on this concept, people who abuse substances tend to have problems in relationships, work, and coping with everyday issues. They will also show changes in their personality and physical well-being. This might include:
- Isolation
- Moodiness
- Anger
- Insomnia
- Heart Issues
- Respiratory Issues
Dealing With Substance Abuse
While facilities promote many addiction solutions on the Internet, accredited treatment from Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, Florida, provides proven results. From detox to aftercare programs, we provide a formula that works. We focus on individual therapy to develop coping skills and group therapy to build support systems for men and women. Families can participate in a four-day program designed to promote better communication between family members. When mental or emotional illnesses become part of the problem, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to deal with co-occurring disorders. We use all of these treatment options to help put patients on the road to recovery. Are you suffering from substance abuse? Don’t prolong your struggles. Call Lakeview Health today at 866-704-7692 to verify your insurance and start your recovery journey.
