Services Substance Abuse and Dependency
Substance Abuse Defined:
Substance abuse is defined as inappropriate use of substances with potential harm or consequences to the individual on a physical, mental, emotional, and/or social level. The use is characterized by patterned, ritualistic usage of drugs or alcohol resulting in some compromised value system, financial problems, relationship difficulties, physical deteriorations, and emotional distress. Abuse is associated with increasing dosages, changing methods of administration, purpose, and increasing value on the effects.
Substance Dependence Defined:
Substance dependence is defined as the inappropriate use of substances with actual harm or consequences to the individual on a physical, mental, emotional, and/or social level. The use is based on a psychological and/or physical need for the substance and is characterized by the following: increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, inability to control the amount of the substance used, and continued usages regardless of adverse consequences. Dependency creates a vicious cycle of use, attempts to recover, and relapse.
Behaviors of substance abuse or dependence may include but are not limited to:
- Inability to maintain attention to details
- Drop-in grades
- Sudden change in friends
- Rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent speech
- Increase in verbal and/or physical aggression
- Withdrawn, isolating behavior
- Sleeping in school or on the job
- Slurred speech
- Redness or rash around the mouth and nose
- Unsteady gait or uncoordinated behaviors
- Flushed face
- Wide pupils or pinned pupils
- The smell of the user’s breath
- Vomiting, sweating, seizures
- Runny nose, sinus problems
- Heart palpitations
- The decrease in physical appearance and care
- Rapid weight loss
- Loss of energy
- Headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
