Substance abuse entails an unhealthy use of any substance for the purpose of altering your state of mind. These mood altering techniques can include any substance such as alcohol, drugs, or other non-drug elements. The substance may or may not be legal, but using it in a way that violates its intended use or the prescribed amount by practitioners is clearly harmful.
Learn About Substance Abuse Causes & Symptoms in Birmingham, MI
There are studies currently underway to determine what causes abuse of substance. However, judging from what is known there are quite a few factors that contribute to the development of such conditions in you:
Genetic Predisposition To Addiction
Not every person becomes addicted but many do. Based on family studies, it is understood that a person’s susceptibility to becoming addicted can significantly be due to biological factors. Scientists are thoroughly researching into the link between addiction and genetic predisposition to establish a stronger evidence based theory.
Traumatic Past
Traumatic events taint your memories and become attached to your senses in a way that similar experiences bring those unpleasant memories flooding back. Childhood trauma is also a reason as to why many individuals become predisposed to substance-abuse. It can be seen as an escape mechanism. Children who suffer from abuse, negligence, or a loss of a parent or sibling are likely to display symptoms that set them apart from normal children in terms of having a healthy perspective and outlook on life.
Negligence
Negligence can occur in many different ways but its strongest impact comes from neglect by a parent. Child neglect is basically a form of parental deficiency, in which the child isn’t sufficiently provided with healthcare, nutrition, sustenance, or clothing. He is also not given the emotional and education security that he needs. Ultimately, this abandonment leads to the child displaying poor social skills. The lack of moral and social support results in insecurities and self doubt, which increases his risk for developing addiction to substances or abusing them.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is another common factor that raises the risk of drug and alcohol abuse. This is usually based on the need to be accepted or conform to the standard perceived as the benchmark of popularity. Peer pressure may also push the idea that drug abuse is not a bad thing.
Stress
Stress is the most factor that is at the core of almost every condition. It can result from relationship failures, debt, finances, illness, poor performance at work or school. Stressed out individuals may look for various avenues to release or block out the unpleasant thoughts and feelings, ultimately leading themselves to trying drugs.
Brain Injury
Brain injuries, defects, or illnesses that affect the brain can also be a contributor to the risk of abuse and addiction. Psychological testing can rule out any traumatic brain injuries that may be the root of any substance issues.
Substance Abuse & Addiction Signs To Be Aware Of
Watching out for symptoms that indicate the possibility of substance-abuse helps combating the issue in time. These significant changes take the form of physical and mental deterioration. Your physical appearance, attitude and behavior are likely to reflect these changes.
Although, your interests are likely to change over time the change is a steady and progressive change rather than a negative development. For example, a decreased involvement in outdoor and social activities, especially, the ones you once enjoyed shows regression. You may also display trouble staying organized and frequently miss deadlines. Unable to manage responsibilities or fail to prioritize family, relationships and work commitments are all signs of an unhealthy state of mind, which may very well result from substance-abuse.
Typically, a slurred speech, poor balance and lack of coordination skills are signs of a person abusing additives. You may also observe extreme clumsiness, inability to focus or take instructions. In addition, symptoms like a decreased or irregular heart rate, sweating, trembling, fluctuating mood swings and an increased irritability towards minor issues are also very likely to occur in substance users.
Treatments For Substance Abuse and Addiction in Birmingham, MI
Fortunately, there are treatments available for such people. Heroin, Cocaine, Cannabis, OTC medicines such as Ritalin and various painkillers and alcohol are commonly abused substances that many fall prey to due to various factors discussed above. The good news is that it is highly possible for people to recover from these addictions and lead normal lives. Counselors, therapists and psychologists are all dedicated to providing various therapies to combat these symptoms in people and ultimately decimating their inclination to consuming unhealthy substances. These treatments typically involve the following methodologies:
– DBT
– CBT
– Family Therapy
– Group Therapy
– Rehabilitation
Where To Find A Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor near Birmingham
Seeking assistance for substance-abuse near Birmingham, MI? Therapy and Psychology experts at Bright Pine Behavioral Health possess expertise in this field and will design a treatment plan that specifically targets your symptoms. Our Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor will also conduct a proper investigation into your past to determine what causes these tendencies of abusing substances in you. Treating you after an accurate analysis of your condition has been made will increase the chances of success.