Substance Abuse

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse or substance misuse is as the name suggests – using substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription, controlled, or illicit, in a potentially harmful manner. As your natural tolerance to a substance grows after repeated use, you will need to ingest more and more of that substance to obtain the same level or effect. This ‘diminishing return’ effect will result in greater exposure to harmful substances that can put your physical and mental health at serious risk.

Substance abuse and addiction are two different things. Many people engaged in substance abuse are able to quit or change this problematic behavior. Addiction is a disease that is the result of changed brain chemistry, programmed behaviors, and a dependency that can be incredibly hard to break free from.

Commonly Abused Drugs

Both legal and illegal drugs contain chemicals that influence your body and brain in a variety of ways. Some do so in an attempt to help or heal, while others offer a feeling or escape.

Alcohol

When Alcohol is consumed in excess, it can have profoundly damaging effects on the brain and body. Alcohol is one of the most common and widely accepted controlled substances. Most often used to dull pain and ease stress – becoming intoxicated lowers inhibitions and makes it easier to drink even more.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine

These types of medication can be abused if you:

• Take medicine that was prescribed for someone else
• Take extra doses or a dose higher than your doctor prescribed
• Take medication for a non-medical reason

Types of prescription drugs that are often misused include:

• Opioid pain relievers
• ADHD medication
• Anxiety and sleep medicines

Opioids/Heroin

Opioids are among the most addictive, dangerous, and deadly types of substances that can be abused. The addictive qualities are well known and the treatment and recovery process is very challenging. Unassuming ‘regular’ people can develop opioid substance misuse problems after being prescribed powerful painkillers.

Get The Help You Need

Substance abuse impacts every area of your life. It can impact those closest to you, strain your personal relationships, affect your career and financial stability, and be incredibly dangerous for your long-term health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, early intervention is the best course of action. The sooner you act, the sooner you can get your life back, regain control and live a longer, healthier life!

Substance Use Therapy Services Offered in New York

If you have questions about the Substance Use therapy services offered at MiDoctor, call our office to speak with a member of our team or schedule a consultation online today!