Different types of substances abuse

There are many reasons why people start unhealthy practices like smoking, drinking alcohol and other kinds of substance abuse. Some of the reasons could be:

Peer pressure

Many young people start on this track to an unhealthy lifestyle because they want to be accepted by their peers.

Personal issues

Some start unhealthy habits to cope with personal problems. It could be loss of a job, a divorce or separation, depression over the loss of a loved one or a move that they are not happy with.

Social issues

Some turn to substance abuse when they feel ostracized by friends or family. They become reclusive and depressed and they find release and relaxation with some kind of addictive substance.

There are a whole lot of other reasons for substance abuse. It is important to find the underlying reason for the substance abuse, as only then can help be given.

The 2012 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimated the number of users of illicit drugs in the United States ages 12 and over to be about 24 million. In addition, the survey estimated that 6.8% of Americans abuse or are dependent on alcohol (down from 7.7% in 2002), and 22% of Americans smoke cigarettes (down from 26 percent in 2002)

Different kinds of substance abuse

To help someone, one needs to understand what the problem. There are many kinds of substances that provide a release from anxiety and depression by altering perception, concentration and attention. Some of them are:

·        Tobacco

Tobacco is one of the main health hazards. The main addictive ingredient in tobacco is nicotine. Tobacco releases a hormone that lowers anxiety. Smokers usually increase their intake of tobacco when stressed.

·        Alcohol

People think that alcohol is a stress buster and a pick me up when it actually dulls the senses. In large amounts it can cause liver, kidney and even brain damage

·        Marijuana

Many places now allow marijuana for medical purposes. But when abused, it can become a terrible habit, dulling the senses and causing impairment in concentration. Another big reason to avoid getting hooked on marijuana is that once the body gets used to the effects of marijuana, it becomes immune to it. Then users usually progress to harder and more dangerous drugs.

·       Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy etc. are drugs that are very addictive. As your body gets used to the substance, the amount the body needs to sustain the feeling of pleasure increases. This could result in an overdose which could prove fatal.

Help for people who have substance abuse problems

A person who has a substance abuse problem needs counseling to help them overcome the addiction. They have to be ready to accept the help. Unless they want to give up their addiction, you may not be able to make them. Many come forward themselves and ask for help, when they see that what they are doing is affecting their life and the lives of their loved ones. There are many support groups that help people with different kinds of abuse problems.

Being aware of the dangers that they face due to substance abuse, and seeing the support that they get from friends and family help people overcome their problems. Counseling will usually be individual and with family. This helps the family understand the symptoms and pain that the individual is going through in their fight against their addiction. Counseling sessions help addicts to vent their feelings, and deal with the problems they face. Only then, can they overcome the addiction and make sure that they do not fall under the influence again.