Substance Abuse





Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a growing problem in the United States. The 1996 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that there were 13 million users of illicit drugs throughout the country; the same survey, done in 2009, estimated that there were 21.8 million illicit drug users throughout the country. The current rate of illicit drug use in the United States is 8.7 percent, an increase from 8.0 percent in 2008. Substance abuse is far too common across all demographics, from teens and young adults to senior citizens. Substance abuse can occur with any type of drug from alcohol to heroin, and the issue will continue to worsen until direct measures are taken to inform the general population about substance abuse treatment.

Alcohol Abuse

More than 50 percent of all Americans, ages 12 and older, are regular consumers of alcohol. Alcohol abuse is defined by the Center for Disease Control as men consuming more than 15 drinks a week and women consuming more than 12 drinks a week. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a single sitting. Alcohol is responsible for thousands of fatal car crashes every year. Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of liver failure and cirrhosis; it can also cause enlargement of the heart and cancer of the pancreas, esophagus and stomach. Alcohol is physically addictive.

Other Kinds of Substance Abuse

Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and Ecstasy are what most people think of when they think of substance abuse. Long-term usage of these drugs can cause various health complications including weight loss, high blood pressure, hallucinations, paranoia, heart attack and stroke. Some drugs are physically addictive, while others are psychologically addictive. Different methods of treatment are recommended for both.

Reasons for Substance Abuse

Depending on the individual, there can be numerous different reasons why a person abuses drugs. Different risk factors may also increase an individual’s likelihood to struggle with drug addiction.

  • Family Factors
    Individuals who have an unstructured home environment are more likely to test boundaries and experiment because of a lack of boundaries. In addition, children who do not feel nurtured may seek approval elsewhere and are more likely to engage in certain behaviors to “fit in.” A generally chaotic home environment can cause children to feel the urge to “escape” through substance abuse.
  • Social Factors
    School and other social situations can put pressure on students. Students who do not have good coping mechanisms to deal with these pressures are more likely to use drugs. As well, young adults who interact with peers who use drugs are more likely to use.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Substance Abuse

It is important to recognize the signs of a drug overdose if you suspect your loved one is abusing drugs. Acting in a timely manner can mean the difference between recovery and death in some cases.  Signs of drug overdose can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Tremors
  • Increased heart rate
  • Lightheadedness
  • Confusion or hallucinations
  • Pain and/or swelling at injection site
  • Dark, cola-colored urine
  • Blackouts

As well, certain signs can mean that the individual’s overall health is declining as a result of drug use. Signs of failing health as the result of long-term drug abuse can include:

  • Jaundice
  • Mild tremors
  • Abdominal edema and increasing abdominal girth
  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Pain at injection site
  • Persistent cough
  • Edema in the legs