Substance Abuse

What is it? Substances include alcohol and other drugs (illegal or not). Substance abuse is the pattern of harmful use for mood-altering purposes

60.2%

60.2% of Americans 12 years or older currently abuse drugs

COMMON SUBSTANCES USED FOR ABUSE

Alcohol

Opiates (Opium, Heroin)

Cocaine

Marijuana "weed" "pot"

Nicotine

DATA 5

Sedative–Hypnotics

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70%

70% of users who try substances before 13yrs of age develop a substance abuse disorder

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Most participants of substance abuse turn to substance abuse for the physical addiction they feel from drugs.

These drugs changes the way your brain feels pleasure so that you become reliant on them for it's mood-altering purposes.

Available Treatments

therapy (behavioral, group) medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms long term followups to avoid relapses

WHY SUBSTANCE ABUSE IS

Harmful

Long Term Effects Short Term Effects overdose depression anxiety panic disorders paranoia / hallucinations health conditions cardiovascular disease respiratory problems kidney damage liver disease changes in appetite sleeplessness / insomnia increased heart rate changes in cognitive ability temporary sense of euphoria loss of coordination relationship problems changes in appearance

HOW TO LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE / ADDICTION IN YOUR LOVED ONES they start taking more days off from work and school to compensate drastic changes in sleep schedule weight loss/gain bloodshot eyes glassy eyes secretive about what they're doing, how much they're using quick to anger loss in interest in hobbies

MOOD & BEHAVIOR CHANGES