One question a person may have is what substance abuse is. There are different types of substance abuse, including recreational use, adolescent use, prescription drug abuse, and medical use. There are also several ways in which you can treat a person who is suffering from these types of abuse.
Recreational use of substances
Drugs can change your brain structure and alter your perceptions. Using recreational substances can be fun and exciting, but they can also be dangerous. Illegal drug use can cause serious harm and may even lead to addiction. Using legal substances can be risky, too.
Some of the most common recreational drugs include marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy. Other medicines used recreationally include prescription sedatives, tranquilizers, and narcotics. When someone uses recreational substances, they are not trying to become dependent. They are simply taking them occasionally. The problem arises when a person starts taking them regularly or when they begin to abuse the substance. Then, the effects of the drug become more and more serious.
You may want to learn more about the physical and psychological side effects of substance abuse.
Prescription drug abuse
Using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons is a form of prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse is one of the fastest-growing drug problems in the United States. Several factors can increase the risk of misuse. Some of the most common are chronic pain, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Prescription drug abuse is a dangerous problem that can affect people of all ages. It can lead to addiction and a variety of adverse health outcomes. It is essential to seek early help for any prescription drug abuse problem.
The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids and stimulants. These medicines may cause hallucinations, paranoia, and other dangerous side effects. They can also increase your body temperature, leading to serious heart problems. Older patients with multiple health issues are at a greater risk of misusing prescriptions. This includes people who are chronically tired and suffer from headaches. They may also use more than one prescription a day.
Adolescent use
During their adolescent years, many young people abuse substances. This increases their risk of physical and mental injuries and death from accidents, homicide, and illness. These young people may also be involved in the juvenile justice system.
Pediatric treatment providers must be able to detect misuse among youth and apply effective intervention strategies. A number of federally funded websites provide a wealth of information on drug prevention and treatment. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides data on the frequency of adolescent drug use and perceptions of the risks associated with specific drugs. These statistics can help parents and other adults understand the potential for future substance abuse.
A study of 536,291 adolescents over 15 years found that substance use is linked to several social and behavioral factors. These include expediency, a need for self-indulgence, and the desire for peer sanction.