Substance Abuse Articles, Blogs and Resources

Man on mountain thinking about Substance AbuseAddiction Hope is dedicated to providing timely and helpful information on the dangers of Substance Abuse as well as alcohol abuse.

Drugs are a chemical substance that can be used in the prevention, cure and treatment of an ailment or disease. Often, medications can be used to help an individual’s emotional and psychological well being, and they can enhance one’s physical abilities or well being.

Medicines can help heal a person or destroy a life. They can be naturally derived from plants or synthesized in some type of laboratory. A drug addiction can ruin a man or woman’s existence. It is disappointing that many of the medications that were originally developed to help heal people will be abused and devastate the life of someone with a substance abuse addiction.

Substance abuse is when a person begins using a drug in a way other than its intended use as prescribed by a doctor. A drug addiction can be created when a man or woman continually abuses drugs in order to get high (an intense euphoric feeling). Some drugs are so addictive that someone using for the first time can become instantly addicted.

When someone has developed a drug addiction, they can build up a tolerance to the drug and need more and more of the substance to have the same effect. The person will sometimes begin smoking, snorting, or injecting the drugs so as to reach a quicker and more intense high. This leads to constant repeated use and, thus, the creation of a drug addiction.

Substance abuse addiction is outstandingly difficult to quit. Often one substance is abused with other drugs or alcohol. Sadly and frequently, substance abuse co-occurs with other mental disorders such as mood disorders, mental disorders and eating disorders.

This adds to the complexities of stopping the drug abuse. However, it is imperative that the drug addiction is ended because constant substance abuse can be deadly. Heart attacks and strokes often occur. Some of the more common drug types include opioids (heroin, morphine, hydrocodone), hallucinogens (LSD, DXM, PCP), stimulants (cocaine, Ecstasy, meth), and depressants (alcohol, Quaaludes).

Please continue reading below to see our latest blog posts on substance abuse. Under the “Substance Abuse Navigation” menu, you can click on the drop-down arrow to see evergreen, general information on dozens of individual drugs, including prescription substances.

Step 9: How To Handle Making Amends for Marital Infidelity

guy and girl holding hands Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope When under the influence of an addiction to alcohol or drugs, men and women often make decisions that they come to regret later. When a substance compromises cognition and rationality, making positive choices that ultimately support the best interest of your [...]
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Step 9: After Making Amends – Letting Go of Regret

Statue of man sitting Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Working through the recovery process for addiction can be a challenging task, one that takes place gradually over time. There are often many decisions made when under the influence of drugs or alcohol that a person comes to regret once sober. [...]
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How To Handle An Inebriated Family Member at A Holiday Gathering

candles burning in church Contributor: Scott H. Silverman, CEO of Confidential Recovery An inebriated guest can not only put a damper on your celebration, but it can be cause for concern. Here are some ways in which to deal with these delicate and concerning situations, as well as resources for you and the person you’re trying to help. Dial [...]
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Rock Bottom, Detox, and No Longer Justifying Your Addiction

bench in park in fall Contributor: Belmont Behavioral Hospital clinical content team member Ryan Poling, M.A. There is an important principle in Alcoholics Anonymous known as “bottoming out” or “hitting rock bottom.” When a person hits rock bottom, he or she has experienced the worst of the worst. Maybe a person’s marriage is on the rocks as a result of [...]
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