What is Substance Use?

Substance Abuse is just a long word for not using either drugs from the pharmacy, drugs from your doctor or, illegal drugs in a safe way. A drug is something that has an effect on the body. An example of an over-the-counter medication is Tylenol. Examples medicataions from your doctor are inhalers for asthma. Illegal drugs have no benefit or healing effects on the body. Some of these include heroin, marijuana, and cocaine. These types of drugs are also very addictive, meaning the body continues to want more and more. In addition, the person needs more and more to feel the same way again. Also, there are side effects when stopping illegal drugs, such as tremors or seizures. People use drugs for many different reasons. People might use drugs because that's what they learned in their families. Other people learned that using drugs might make them feel better. They might feel less anxious, less sad, or less angry. However drug use to help fix these things is only a substitute fix. Painful emotions will still be there after the drugs are gone. Thus it is important to deal with emotional issues at the same time as looking at substance abuse. Once someone is abusing drugs, they might need help from a hospital or therapist to stop. Kids are also included on family session. That person might also seem strange to you, as if his/her personality has changed. When people abuse drugs, their behaviors do change. However, this is not something one should try to take personally. Once the drug use stops, you'll see more and more of the person you love.