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Substance abuse isn't just for addicts Alysha Buonerba
Whether we like it or not, the reality of today is that alcohol and drugs are everywhere. Whether you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol/drugs, it is safe to say that drugs and alcohol at one time or another have affected us all.
Often, in cases of addiction, the pursuit to obtain the substance(s), legal or not, is undeniable and controls an individual's very existence. Some warnings signs of addiction include a pattern of use that
• interferes with an individual's ability to fulfill work, family or school commitments • results in recurrent relationship problems • results in physically risky situations • results in repeated legal problems
For some, the pull toward addiction seems to be gradual, while others seem to unravel right in front of you. Family and friends of the addict are faced with the difficult choice of unintentionally reinforcing certain behaviors in order to avoid conflict or physically and emotionally distancing themselves because they have no more left to give. Either way, substance abuse is a serious problem that needs to be addressed not only by the addict but also by the addict's family and friends.
One of the biggest difficulties for those affected by addiction is coming to terms with the very nature of it. Some people view addicts as irresponsible. Some believe that an addict's problems would disappear if alcohol/drug use stopped. However, addiction is complicated and recovery is more than a matter of willpower.
Addiction is a continuous and persistent behavior to obtain alcohol/drugs despite negative and often painful consequences. The reason willpower is not enough to stop using is due to the changes in the structures and functions of the brain. As a result, continuous alcohol and drug use send intense messages to the brain to take the substance, which ultimately impair an individual's ability to make healthy decisions.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance related problems cost the United States more than $484 billion dollars per year.
Addiction affects all of us on a multitude of levels. Substance abuse affects and contributes to health care expenditures, lost earnings, and costs associated with crime and accidents. Many of the top social problems in the U.S. (violent crimes, stress and child abuse) are related to substance abuse. Substance abuse can be directly linked to many of the top medical problems in the U.S., including cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and pediatric AIDS.
Because there is no single predictor of whether or not someone will become addicted to drugs or alcohol, considering risk factors such as genetics, environment and development can increase awareness of how addiction can potentially affect our lives. Successfully fighting the battle against addiction is not an individual pursuit. It requires the love and support of family and friends. It is a battle that can be won with dedication, courage, honesty and humility in everyone that it impacts.
This column is presented by Manatee Glens. . . Helping Families in Crisis through Mental Health and Addiction Services and supports the community through prevention and recovery.. This not-for-profit health care provider delivers services from seven Manatee County locations including the Manatee Glens East, located at 5233 4th Avenue Circle East on State Road 64. Manatee Glens welcomes your questions about mental health and substance abuse matters. For further information, call 941-782-4299 or send an e-mail to exeoffice@manateeglens.com. |
