Steps to Prevent Substance Abuse
Substance use, whether it's alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, or hallucinogens, can have a significant impact on an individual's life. Misuse of these substances involves using them in higher amounts than recommended or outside of their intended purpose.
Substance use disorder (SUD), often referred to as addiction, is a treatable condition that requires intervention. It can be due to various factors such as curiosity, experimentation, peer pressure, or coping with stress and trauma, especially among teens.
Tolerance, the adaptation of the body to a substance, is a concerning sign. It means that more of the substance is required to achieve the same effect, which can lead to dangerous levels of use.
Approaches to keep substance use moderated might include identifying one's wants vs. needs, getting to the root of the desire to partake, and seeking out healthcare services for mental health or pain management when necessary. Writing down daily substance use limits can help maintain control, and an accountability partner can help prevent excessive substance use.
A body scan meditation can increase self-awareness and help identify potential issues with substance use. Mental health medications can have harmful reactions when overlapped with other substances, so it's essential to be aware of potential interactions.
Dependence can occur even with prescription drugs taken as directed, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if the substance isn't repeatedly consumed. Genetic factors can make some people more susceptible to SUD.
Mixing substances, particularly alcohol, can be dangerous. For example, cannabis can spur episodes of psychosis in some mood disorders. Mental health medications can also have harmful reactions when overlapped with other substances.
In 2018, 53.2 million individuals in the United States used substances not as prescribed or not prescribed to them. The national organization in the United States that published a study on the management of unused or misused medications in 2018 is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Options for help include reaching out to a mental health professional or attending a support group. However, it's important to note that people with more income and education have better access to medical facilities and clinical support. Unfortunately, Black people, members of LGBTQ+ communities, and monolingual Spanish speakers within the United States are less likely to have adequate health insurance, which decreases their chances for intervention and medical support.
Substance use should be reserved for its intended purpose. Substance use for pleasurable purposes is common and not inherently harmful, but can become dangerous if used to self-medicate or in combination with other substances. It's crucial to remember that SUD is a treatable condition, and help is available for those who seek it.
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