Substance Abuse

Posted on June 8, 2010

About 14 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. That’s one out of every 13 adults. In addition, about one in five Americans between the ages of 16 and 59 have reported using at least one illegal drug.

What is Alcohol and Drug Abuse?
Alcohol and drug abuse is a pattern of drinking or drug use that results in one or more of the following:

• Failure to meet major work, school, or home responsibilities
• Drinking or drug use while driving a car or using machinery
• Repeated alcohol or drug-related problems
• Ongoing relationship problems as a result of alcohol or drug use

What is Alcoholism and Drug Addiction?
Alcoholism and drug addiction include four symptoms:

• Craving: a strong need, or compulsion to drink or use drugs
• Loss of Control: the inability to limit your drinking or drug use
• Physical Dependence: withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and anxiety
• Tolerance: the need to use greater amounts of alcohol or drugs

What to Do if You Need and Want Help
Admitting you have an alcohol or drug problem and accepting help for it is hard – very hard. The
sooner you get help, the better your chances of recovery.

Your provider will talk with you about your drinking and drug use. Based on your responses, he or she will recommend the right kind of care for you.

What to Do to Get Well
Treatment may include one or more of the following:

• Detoxification
• Taking doctor-prescribed medication
• Individual and/or group counseling

There are certain things you can do to make refraining from drug or alcohol use easier:

• Attend self-help or support groups
• Engage in hobbies
• Begin to exercise
• Tell trusted people – family, friends what you are doing
• Avoid the people with whom you used to drink or use drugs
• Avoid situations that may be stressful or make you feel anxious

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Almost all alcohol and drug treatment programs involve Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. AA describes itself as a “worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to stay sober.”

What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an effective mutual help program for drug addicts. NA describes itself as a “fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.” NA’s approach is complete abstinence from all drugs.

Where Can I Go for More Information?

About Alcoholism/Substance Abuse
http://alcoholism.about.com

Alcoholics Anonymous World Service Office (AA)
www.aa.org
212.870.3400
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
www.na.org
818.773.9999
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups
www.al-anon.alateen.org
888.425.2666

Nar-Anon Family Groups
www.nar-anon.org
800.477.6291

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.adultchildren.org
310.534.1815

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Info
www.samhsa.gov or
http://health.org
800.662.4357

Categories: Health Information