Do Drugs and Alcohol Contol Your Life? Need a Better tomorrow?
Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance, including alcohol, for mood-altering purposes. Medline's medical encyclopedia defines drug abuse as "the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed."
The harm caused by substance abuse can take many forms, but most commonly manifests as:
Legal problems (DUI, Domestic violence, Minor in possession etc…)
Relational problems
Physical/Medical problems (injuries, ulcers, hypertension, esophageal varices , cirrhosis)
Work and/or school related problems
If a person continues to use a substance after problems such as this occur, it is an indication that use has progressed into abuse.
Substance abuse is commonly progressive, and if perpetuated can lead to addiction/dependency. Once substance abuse has progressed into addiction, most people need help to attain and maintain permanent abstinence from the substance. The most likely outcome of untreated addiction is death or incarceration.
Use →→ Abuse →→ Addiction →→ Death/Incarceration
Don't allow drugs or alcohol to ruin your life! Call (734) 854-7061 or (517) 486-4005 or email us today for an appointment. Substance abuse and addiction cost people their freedom... and even their lives... every day. Take action today!
If you have doubts about whether or not you’re an addict, take a few moments to read the questions below and answer them as honestly as you can.
Do you ever drink/use alone?
Have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking that one particular drug was the problem?
Have you ever manipulated or lied to a doctor to obtain prescription drugs?
Have you ever stolen drugs or stolen to obtain alcohol and/or drugs?
Do you regularly use a drug when you wake up or when you go to bed?
Have you ever taken one drug to overcome the effects of another?
Do you avoid people or places that do not approve of you drinking/using drugs?
Have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or what it would do to you?
Has your job or school performance ever suffered from the effects of your drug/alcohol use?
Have you ever been arrested as a result of drinking/using drugs?
Have you ever lied about what or how much you drink/use?
Do you put the purchase of drugs/alcohol ahead of your financial responsibilities?
Have you ever tried to stop or control your drinking/using?
Have you ever been in a jail, hospital, or drug rehabilitation center because of your drinking/ using?
Does drinking/ using interfere with your sleeping or eating?
Does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?
Do you feel you can't live without drugs/alcohol?
Do you ever question your sanity?
Is your drinking/drug use making life at home unhappy?
Have you ever thought you couldn’t fit in or have a good time without drinking/using drugs?
Have you ever felt defensive, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking/ using?
Do you think a lot about alcohol/ drugs?
Have you had irrational or indefinable fears?
Has using alcohol/drugs affected your sexual relationships?
Have you ever taken drugs you didn’t prefer?
Have you ever drank/used drugs because of emotional pain or stress?
Have you ever overdosed on any drugs?
Do you continue to use/drink despite negative consequences?
Do you think you might have an alcohol/ drug problem?
If you answered yes to some of the above questions, you may want to seek further evaluation. The first step is simple! Call (734) 854-7061 or (517) 486-4005 or email us for an appointment. We are here to help.
Many people who realize they have a substance abuse problem avoid asking for help out of fear, embarrassment, or hopelessness. You must believe and understand that your life can change and that seeking help will greatly increase your chances of being happy again. Many people have sought help and turned their lives around. So can you! Call us for a completely confidential assessment and start the process of getting your life back.
We are looking forward to speaking with you. Please don't wait or even hesitate. You can reach us by phone at (734) 854-7061 or (517) 486-4005 or email us for an appointment.