Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a broad term covering people who have addictions to alcohol and/or drugs. These addictions can greatly impact an individual’s life and can be life threatening. Find out more about each type abuse including symptoms and resources in the blue bars below.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Local AA Resources:

http://www.daccaa.org/meetings.htm

Alcohol

People drink for a variety of reasons and for some people this can lead to alcohol misuse or abuse. This can negatively influence someone’s health and life.

Click here to take a brief online survey to assess if you have a problem with alcohol.

Symptoms of alcohol addiction may include^*:

Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so
Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use
Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use
Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it's causing physical, social or interpersonal problems
Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies
Using alcohol in situations where it's not safe, such as when driving or swimming
Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from the same amount
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — when you don't drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms

^*Information from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20020866

Drugs

People who are addicted to drugs, either legal or illegal, are not able to control their drug use and may continue to do so even if the drug causes harm. Drug addictions are serious and can be life-threatening. Addictions can cause cravings and many people need additional support and resources to enable them to be successful in their quit attempt.

Symptoms of drug addiction may include^*:

Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day
Having intense urges for the drug
Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug