Alcohol & Drug Abuse Information & Treatment

Alcohol and drug abuse can be a major problem within families and circles of friends. Abuse of alcohol and recreational drugs can lead to divorces, end of friendships, loss of property, gang-related violence and even trouble with the justice system. It is important to understand what such abuse is and how it is treated, when confronting a condition so potentially devastating.

Identification

• Alcohol and drug abuse is a serious issue with many people. The effects include wanting or needing alcohol or drugs. The medical dictionary's defines substance abuse as the "use of a substance that modifies mood or behavior in a manner characterized by a maladaptive pattern of use." Signs of alcohol or drug abuse include cycles of extreme energy/plummeting tiredness, weight gain and weight loss, severe dental problems, irritability, paranoia and moodiness.

Time Frame--Abuse/Addiction

• The time it takes to become an addict or abuser of drugs and alcohol varies. For some individuals, drug abuse begins the moment they begin taking subscription or other medicinal drugs that they know they don't truly need in order to get high. For others (more typically with alcohol abusers) it may take a while to become addicted as their bodies become tolerant of the amounts they are consuming.

Time Frame--Treatment

• There are short-term and long-term treatments for the abuse of alcohol and drugs, no matter how insignificant the abuse may seem. Short-term treatments include week-long detoxes and then a three- to four-month counseling therapy to begin recovery. Long-term treatment facilities include the above as well as therapies, workshops and classes to help the person regain control over his relationships, work ethics and life skills during recovery. This treatment option often lasts at least six months and may run for up to two years.

Considerations

• When deciding on long-term, short-term, or no treatment for an alcohol or drug abuser, it is important to consider whether the person is an abuser or an addict. Taking, buying or selling drugs amongst friends may signify an abuser, whereas selling personal items, themselves or even stealing other's items to trade for drugs, leans more toward addiction. An abuser may not need as much counseling and rehabilitation as an addict. It is also important to consider whether or not you (or your loved one struggling with this) are willing to try and better themselves. It will do no good to try to help someone who will not stick with it.

Misconceptions

• Misconceptions when dealing with alcohol and drug abuse are often on the part of the abusers. Most people who use drugs believe that they are not addicted or even abusing them, but believe that they either are just having "fun" or that they "need" them. The same can be said of alcohol abusers. Using drugs or alcohol in excess at any time is abuse. Another misconception, this time by the friends and families of abusers, is that treatment is easy and quick, when in reality this is not the case.