FAQ
How To Identify Substance Abuse Warning Signs, & Important Substance Abuse Questions.

Signs of Alcohol & Drug Abuse

The definition of substance abuse is the return to the use of alcohol or drugs despite the substance use causing life function problems (i.e. family, legal, health, school, job or financial) It is addiction when we repeat behaviors that cause us pain.

View common drug abuse symptoms

It is not defined by how much, how often, when, where, why or if we can stop.

Why do addicts use?

Because it FEELS better! Mood-Altering substances take us from POINT A (discomfort, bored, lonely, afraid, guilty, or empty) to Point B (greater comfort, enthused, relaxed, confident, energetic, hopeful or happy).

When do addicts start to change?

When the pain from their life functions problems is no longer avoidable. Without the experience of painful consequences (to their substance use), the addict has no reason to pursue any other alternatives. Pain alone though is never enough.

How does change begin?

When the people most important in the addict's life refuse to enable the addiction by accepting unacceptable behavior. Simultaneously, they must point the way to recovery from substance addiction.

What is Recovery?

Recovery consists of finding healthy alternatives to get from POINT A (discomfort) to POINT B (comfort) without the use of substances.

What is Treatment?

Treatment for substance abuse is the means and manner of introducing the addict and their family to Recovery. Both Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient treatment have identical rates of successful outcomes. Most people can be treated on an outpatient basis, thereby, developing their support system in their home community.

Why do addicts deny their problems? Because they don't want to give up their only way of getting from POINT A to POINT B. Once they have been introduced to recovery, they have a third option and can be held accountable for their choice of options. Without that introduction to recovery, it is like asking a diabetic to control their blood sugar level without giving them insulin or diet information.

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