Substance Abuse and Dependency

There are many lives touched by the ravages of substance abuse. The lives of parents, children, spouses, co-workers, friends and countless others are affected by this issue. The therapeutic staff at Perspectives Counseling Centers understands the pain and suffering that accompanies substance abuse and dependency. We are committed to helping individuals and families heal. We offer a variety of specialty services aimed at meeting the needs of those lives touched by addictions.

Substance Abuse Defined:

Substance abuse is defined as an inappropriate use of substances with potential harm or consequences to the individual on a physical, mental, emotional, and/or social level.  The use is characterized by patterned, ritualistic usage of drugs or alcohol resulting in some compromised value system, financial problems, relationship difficulties, physical deteriorations, and emotional distress.  Abuse is associated with increasing dosages, changing methods of administration, purpose, and increasing value on the effects.

Substance Dependence Defined:

Substance dependence is defined as the inappropriate use of substances with actual harm or consequences to the individual on a physical, mental, emotional, and/or social level.  The use is based on a psychological and/or physical need for the substance and is characterized by the following: increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, inability to control the amount of the substance used, and continued usages regardless of adverse consequences.  Dependency creates a vicious cycle of use, attempts to recover, and relapse.

Behaviors of substance abuse or dependence may include but are not limited to:

·       Inability to maintain attention to details

·       Drop in grades

·       Sudden change in friends

·       Rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent speech

·       Increase in verbal and/or physical aggression

·       Withdrawn, isolating behavior

·       Sleeping in school or on the job

·       Slurred speech

·       Redness or rash around mouth and nose

·       Unsteady gait or uncoordinated behaviors

·       Flushed face

·       Wide pupils or pinned pupils

·       The smell of the user’s breath

·       Vomiting, sweating, seizures

·       Runny nose, sinus problems

·       Heart palpitations

·       Decrease in physical appearance and care

·       Rapid weight loss

·       Loss of energy

·       Headaches

·       Sexual dysfunction

Visit Alcoholics Anonymous at: www.alcoholicsanonymous.org