Different Types of Substance Abuse

Posted On August 24, 2021

Substance abuse disorder is the condition wherein a person is unable to control their urges to use or intake a particular type of substance, to the point that they become wholly dependent on it in order to have a semblance of functionality throughout the day.

The irony in that is that the more they come to rely on that substance to be so-called functional, the more that they are rendered unable and incapacitated, precisely because the substance’s effects on them are so severe on all fronts.

Substance abuse impacts a person’s physical health, emotional disposition, and psychological capacity. In many cases, these impacts become too much, that the situation becomes grave and lethal. Know what types of substance abuse are there, and the know-how to spot them, so you can get your loved one or yourself the right help needed to overcome it.

Alcohol

What makes alcohol a highly dangerous substance when abused is not only that it severely impairs judgment, but that it is highly accessible. Getting a bottle or two is as easy as walking to the corner store, no matter what time of day. This accessibility certainly makes the dependency easier to attain, and more difficult to overcome.

While there are certain health benefits tied to moderate drinking, all of these are thrown out the window with excessive intake. In its place are very immediate health concerns, from liver disease to resultant aggressive behavior.

An alcoholic not only puts themselves in danger, but also the people around them. It may be family members living with them, or unfortunate strangers who just happen to pass the same road as them.

A standard metric to determine if a person is drinking too much is to count how much they’re drinking. Heavy drinking for men is equal to up to over 14 drinks every week, while for women, it would be more than seven drinks a week.

Drugs

Abuse of drugs can mean both legal and illegal narcotics. Legal narcotics are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs. Abuse of use can lead to addiction, which can result in just as bad consequences as with illegal drugs.

Many people, however, mistakenly think that just because it comes with a doctor’s prescription, or that it is readily available in pharmacies, it should all be good and safe. Especially without supervised intake, it becomes very likely for a person with an addictive personality to fall into substance abuse.

Illegal narcotics include drugs like heroin, cocaine, and other opioids. These are usually taken from underground sources, making it all the more dangerous because of the absence of regulation. There’s no telling what else is mixed up in a batch, for example, which can easily lead to an overdose.

Tobacco and Other Related Products

Nowadays, it’s not just cigarettes and tobacco that are considered addictive products related to nicotine. Vapes are also now considered an addictive substance, especially among younger folks.

While nicotine used to be the primary substance causing addiction, now there are also other chemicals at play that can cause dependency. While these products do not necessarily impair judgment as drugs and alcohol do, it does have serious consequences to one’s health and safety.

The silver lining in all of this, however, is that no matter how severe the addiction may be, there is hope for treatment. With the help of rehabilitation facilities like NuView Treatment Center (https://nuviewtreatment.com/treatment-programs/outpatient-rehab-program-los-angeles-iop/), the right plan can be implemented in the case of the individual to help them finally overcome their substance dependence and addiction.