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Substance abuse and dependency are characterized by the dependence on alcohol or a prescription or non-prescription drug, leading to problems at school, work, and/or home, or to legal problems. The use is at a level in which it is causing damage to the person's health. The damage can be physical and/or psychological.
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SYMPTOMS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE & DEPENDENCY |
A person with substance abuse and dependency problems may
- have an increased tolerance for alcohol or other substances (perhaps needing more to achieve the same effect);
- take alcohol or drugs in larger amounts than intended or over a longer time period than intended;
- have withdrawal symptoms;
- take drastic or desperate actions to acquire the substance;
- continue to use the substance even though he or she knows there are recurring physical or psychological problems caused by the substance abuse;
- be unable to stop or decrease alcohol or substance abuse, despite having a desire to stop or control the problem.
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journal entry
I wish everyone would just leave me alone and let me do what I want. When I drink I don't care about anything, as long as I am drinking nothing bothers me. I do not have to deal with or remember the stuff that made me start drinking to begin with. The world doesn't bother me. But when I stop drinking the problems and memories all come back again, so I start drinking again. At first, I could hide it from everyone, my parents, teachers, and even my friends, but now I am getting caught drunk at school and at work. Maybe because I need to drink so much more now to forget everything. I stole money from my mom's purse yesterday and I think I might get caught, but I really don't care because I needed the money to get more. My friends say that they are worried and that they want me to get some help, but they just don't understand, it isn't as simple as just stopping. I don't want the memories to come back.
(Anonymous journal entry by a youth) |
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Are you in distress?
Call Distress Centre Calgary 's 24-hour line:
403-266-1605
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DID YOU KNOW? |
Drug and alcohol dependency can also lead to depression and other mental and physical health issues.
Six-hundred thousand Canadians have an alcohol dependency, and another 200,000 have problems with illicit drug use.
Dependencies on tobacco and prescription medications are also a mental health concern.
Treatment options vary widely, and the success of treatment programs also varies according to the individual and the support network that they can access.
Many famous actors, musicians, and athletes have struggled with substance abuse and dependency. |
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