Mental Health 101: Substance Abuse

Many people who use drugs never think that they will develop a drug problem because they just want to try it or they are using for fun.  However, the signs of a problem are always there. One may not notice because they are caught up in getting high and what they perceive as good things happening. They may be making new "friends" or beginning to get more attention from the opposite sex.  They like their personality when they're high because they're more outgoing or personable under the influence and they're not like that sober.

While these "good" things are going on, other things are brewing as well:  a substance abuse problem.  One might get caught up having a good time but I'm sure there are some not so good things going on as well. 

• The drug use may be interfering with work, school, or home (i.e., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).
• The drug use may put you in situations that are dangerous (i.e., driving while drunk or high or having unprotected sex while drunk or high)
• Legal issues may arise (such as arrests for DUI/DWI, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, etc. because you were drunk or high at the time).
• Even though your friends and family are calling you out on your drug use and how it's becoming a problem, you still use them.

If any of these things...or all of them...happened to you quite a few times over the past year, you may need to slow down because you might have a substance abuse problem.  Depending on how bad your situation is, you may be able to stop using the drugs on your own or you may need to seek some help by means of a professional or outpatient facility.  If it's really bad you may need to seek residential treatment. 

A drug problem is something you can't deal with on your own so get the support of your friends, family, and employer...yes, the job will have your back too.  You won't lose your job if you let them know you have a problem and you are seeking treatment through their Employee Assistance Program.  I've provided some websites to help if you or someone you know has a drug problem.

http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ - A Federal substance abuse directory.

http://www.smartrecovery.org/ - An online substance abuse recovery group.

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/ - Support group for family and friends of substance abusers/addicts.

http://www.aa.org/ - Alcoholics Anonymous

It's a good idea to work on drug problems before they become drug addictions however a person will not change until they are good and ready.

With that said...

Take care,

-Kimmy