While just about everyone has heard the phrase substance use, or even used it themselves, few people can actually define it. The true substance use definition, at least the medical one, is the harmful use of any psychoactive substance. If you’re worried that you might be on the verge of substance use or addiction, consider some following questions.
What Substances are Dangerous to Abuse?
A wealth of substances fall under this umbrella. Virtually all drugs that impact brain function can be abused. This includes drugs like heroin, crack, cocaine or ecstasy.
It’s also possible to abuse alcohol. While people commonly consume alcohol responsibly, alcohol abuse and addiction are very real concerns. People also abuse prescription drugs, making addiction is entirely possible.
Is Substance Use the Same as Substance Abuse?
Using drugs or alcohol may come with risks, no matter what amount you consume. That said, not all use is necessarily abuse.
For example, a person may drink wine on a regular basis. If he or she does this responsibly, and the alcohol doesn’t negatively affect his or her daily life, abuse likely isn’t a problem.
The Substance Abuse Definition: Is the Substance Controlling You?
Often, substance use morphs into dependence. It may or not be an addiction, but it’s definitely a problem. Substance abuse can lead to the substance controlling the user, rather than the other way around.
A person struggling with substance use may consistently be late for work, or they might struggle to find a career at all. If the use of a substance negatively impacts relationships, appearance, health or financial stability, then substance use is likely the issue.
Are Tolerance or Withdrawal Symptoms an Issue?
An increase in tolerance and withdrawal symptoms commonly accompany an out of control substance use problem. A high tolerance comes with regularly increasing consumption of drugs or alcohol.
If a person tries to stop abusing a substance or cut back, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can be physical, but they can also be psychological. Suffering from anxiety, irritability, mood swings or insomnia can absolutely be a sign that substance use is at play.
How Can Substance Abuse or Addiction be Treated?
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is the only solution to substance use. This treatment can stop the abuse before it becomes a serious or lifelong addiction. It can also identify addictive behaviors that might cause a relapse in the future.
In treatment, patients can benefit from a wide range of treatments and services. Just some of these include the following:
- Individual therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Holistic treatments
Substance abuse isn’t a problem that you should ignore. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, you can begin to take back control over your life and understand more about the addiction and substance use definition. Start down the road to recovery by calling 866-377-4761.
