Substance Abuse Counselor

While there is no universally accepted definition of the term substance abuse, there are guidelines which aid in the diagnosis

Basically, it is the use of harmful drugs or alcohol with the knowledge that it is harmful. A person who tries Oxycontin, just to try it even though they know it can be harmful, is abusing a substance. They are not necessarily addicted but they may continue to use it knowing the dangers of the substance.

Substance abusers do not have the deep craving for the drug that an addict has, but they do enjoy the effect of the drug or alcohol. Those who abuse substances often follow the same pattern of an addict. They neglect their family, social and work obligations in order to consume the drug or alcohol.

There are three terms related to substances and they are substance abuse, substance dependence and substance addiction. Substance abuse can occur without dependence but substance dependence is always considered substance abuse. Substance abusers normally do not develop a tolerance and they do not go through withdrawal like those who are dependent or addicted. Abuse of a substance has been used mainly to mark and note the social and occupational consequences that are suffered by the abuser. Some of these consequences may involve losing their job or having legal troubles that increase.

* Substance abuse can lead to dependence or addiction.

Either way, abuse is damaging in and of itself. Lives are still ruined as a result of substance abuse. Perhaps with the 2010 DSM there will be more clarification given to substance abuse, dependence and addiction. Each time the DSM has come out since the 1950’s, there has been more clarification added.

* Substance abuse requires treatment.

In fact, the perfect time to seek treatment is while the person is still in the substance abuse state. Once addiction or dependence occurs, recovery is much more difficult.

If a person has any questions or concerns about substance abuse, either their own or a loved one’s, they should contact a drug rehab and talk the situation over with one of the trained staff.

Substance abuse never leads to anything good. Not one person has ever said “I’m a substance abuser and it has made my life so much better!” On the contrary, it makes everyone’s life a living hell.