Drug Abuse (also referred to as Substance Abuse) involves the improper or hazardous use of legal or illegal substances (e.g., prescription medications, illicit drugs, alcohol) that leads to significant impairment or distress.
Key Points:
- Signs: Inability to control use, using larger amounts over time, neglecting responsibilities, social problems, and risky behaviors under influence.
- Causes: Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, underlying mental health disorders, and social pressures.
- Consequences: Physical health problems (e.g., organ damage), legal issues, strained relationships, job loss, and financial instability.
- Treatment: May include inpatient or outpatient rehab, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy (CBT, motivational interviewing), and support groups (e.g., 12-step programs).
