Substance Abuse - An Overview

What is substance abuse? How would you define this term? While some people chalk it up to simple illegal drug abuse, other people believe that it is not quite that simple.

If you were to ask an average medical doctor what this form of abuse entailed, they would tell you that it had to do with illegal, and frequent, drug use. However, many people argue that this definition is in no way inclusive. For example, there are plenty of people that use various substances that aren't drugs at all (inhalants and solvents), while others excessive use alcohol and prescription drugs. So, what is substance abuse, really?

Should you decide to drink caffeinated beverages in excessive amounts, will this be considered abuse? There really isn't any one way to define this sort of addiction, so rather than define it, let's just talk about it for a moment. How can you tell if you, or someone you love, have become obsessed with a substance? A person that is driven by the constant need and desire to obtain one particular matter is an addict. Do you wake up every day craving one thing? Will you go to any lengths to get that thing? Are you angry and frustrated when you cannot have that thing? If so, you may be in the midst of a nasty addiction.

What can you do about substance abuse? If you believe that your life is helplessly spinning out of control, seek professional help. Talk to your friends, family, doctor, or psychologist in order to find out how to breathe freely once again. If you really want to answer the original question (what is substance abuse?) you will find that this type of abuse is akin to a monster that takes over your life with no concern for your personal well being.

Those that seek help for their addiction will find the path long and hard, though it is necessary. Contrastingly, those that do nothing about their current behavior will simple fall deeper and deeper into the spinning spiral ... sometimes, there is no way out. No matter what the cost may be, help yourself (or another person you know) with your addiction.

What is substance abuse? It is a raging river that will not stop gushing until you cannot take it anymore. No matter how it is defined, this type of abuse will not end until you stop it. Remember, any substance can be abused, so think twice before you reach for that one thing that you cannot live without.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about substance abuse recovery programs for SubstanceAbuseRecoveryPrograms.com.