The first step to getting help is being able to recognize the physical, mental, and emotional signs, like abrupt weight or personality changes in your friends or family members. The following list of signs may indicate an adolescent is having a problem with substance abuse. The first step[…]
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People who become addicted to drugs or alcohol typically go through predictable stages of abuse. Understanding these stages can help you recognize a problem and seek help before substance use becomes a dependence. Experimentation Alcohol or drug use starts with experimentation or voluntary use. In this stage, the[…]
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Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many of the signs and symptoms are typical teen or young adult behavior. Many are also symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. If you have reason to suspect use, don’t be afraid to err[…]
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So your child has started vaping, drinking or using substances. Is this just what kids do? Is it going to lead to other drug use, or become another problem? Don’t leave the answers to chance. How worried should I be? Ninety percent of people with addictions started using[…]
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Most experts believe anyone can become addicted to alcohol or other drugs. Some substances, like nicotine and heroin, are so highly addictive that using them excessively or on a daily basis can lead to addiction in anyone. However, most people who try substances do not progress to heavy[…]
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We immunize. We require seat belts in the car and helmets while biking. We insist on sunscreen. We do just about everything we can to ensure that our kids are healthy, safe and primed for success. But when it comes to drinking alcohol or even smoking marijuana, why[…]
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Both drug abuse and drug addiction can lead to many health problems. These problems vary, depending on the type of drug abused. In general, these are the effects: Drug abuse weakens your immune system. This makes it harder to fight off infection. People who abuse drugs often engage[…]
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Addiction is commonly associated with substance abuse, but behavioral addictions like gambling, social media, food, and pornography are just as serious. Addiction is when a person is unable to consistently abstain from a behavior or substance. This is typically at the cost of their mental and physical health.[…]
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PART A. During the PAST 12 MONTHS, on how many days did you: Drink more than a few sips of beer, wine, or any drink containing alcohol? Put “0” if none. Use any marijuana (pot, weed, hash, or in foods) or “synthetic marijuana” (like “K2” or “Spice”)? Put[…]
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Substance abuse means using drugs and/or alcohol for non-medical reasons. Substances can be either legal or illegal and they don’t have to be illegal to be abused. If you abuse drugs/alcohol, you can become dependent on them physically and mentally. Substance abuse and addiction can lead to many[…]
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