Substance abuse counseling (2)

1. A drug, is any
substance that,
when absorbed into
the body of a living
organism, alters
normal bodily
function. Drugs are
chemicals that
change the way a
person's body
works by altering
emotions and
thoughts.
Drugs –
What they Are and What they Do ?

2. Drug abuse is an intense desire to obtain increasing amounts of a
particular substance. Drug dependence is the body's physical need, or
addiction, to a specific agent. Over the long term, this dependence
results in physical harm and behavior problems which causes tolerance
and cross tolerance. Thus, it creates a vicious cycle.

3. Substance abusers are persons who use
a substance to the extent that it causes
damage to them or society or both.
Substance abuse counselors have
specialized training in pharmacological,
physiological, psychological, and
sociocultural aspects of addiction.
Substance Abuse Counseling

4. •Substance abuse is a critical problem across all segments of
the population and impacts in some way all members of our
society.
•It is the most prevalent mind disorder, the number one
continuing health problem.
•The significant number of the United States population having
substance abuse problems is indicated by approximately 6%
abusing illegal drugs, 12% having problems with drinking,
25% being addicted to nicotine and conservatively, 10%
addicted to prescription medications

5. Substance Abuse
•These disorders include the active use and/or dependency on
any mood-altering substance.
•Substances include alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, cocaine,
hallucinogens, inhalants, caffeine, nicotine, and prescription
drugs, as well as legal drugs.
•Addictive behavior is characterized by
- preoccupation with the substance or the experience
-withdrawal symptoms after not engaging in the substance or
experience
- increased tolerance for the substance or activity in order to
achieve the same effect
- continued use despite negative consequence