Substance Abuse

Caretakers become more important as the general population ages since these professionals primarily care for the elderly. Caretakers do, however, also take care of disabled people and those who are…

An intervention is an attempt by friends and family to encourage an individual to receive treatment for an addiction. While interventions are typically for individuals who have drug and alcohol…

Obtaining Licensed Professional Counselor certification in Texas is essential for professional practitioners throughout the state. The LPC certifies that you meet Texas state requirements for…

Licensed nurses who are experiencing substance abuse or mental health issues that require a recovery program can be potentially hazardous to patient well-being in hospital and clinical settings.…

According to the Office of Applied Studies, in 2008 an estimated 20.1 million Americans ages 12 and older use drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine or marijuana. Substance abuse devastates not…

Substance abuse can be caused by a variety of reasons. Risk factors include social environment, peer pressure, family, depression and other illnesses, all of which may affect one's self-esteem. A…

Substance abuse is a serious problem that plagues the youth population. As more adolescents are exposed to illicit substances, such as alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, the chances of their developing…

Those who work with people who are suffering from a mental illness, or who are addicted, are familiar with the concept of denial. Many people, who are neither mentally ill, nor addicted, also go…

Psychoeducation groups help individuals and their loved ones gain a greater understanding of a mental health, substance abuse or medical problem. These groups supply members with basic information…

Substance abuse groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous help recovering individuals to resist drugs and alcohol through group gatherings, group support and group therapy. They help…

Conference themes for community health activities can be as diverse as the populations in various communities. Specific communities have health needs that may have a large amount of information…

Issues surrounding substance abuse for women differ considerable from those of men. These differences include the physiological effects that drugs have on women as well as the social and societal…

Many people who use illicit substances want to stop, but do not know how to. For some, overcoming substance abuse seems like a challenging task that will be too difficult to accomplish. Overcoming…

Homelessness affects people from all walks of life; they can be women and children who are victims of domestic violence, pregnant teens and young mothers, and unemployed men and women. Organizations…

While substance abuse is an observable behavior, it is very difficult for researchers to conduct research on substance abuse by purely using observation. Therefore, several different techniques can…

Substance abuse and addiction can affect an individual's career, personal relationships and feelings of self worth. Once an individual embarks on the road to recovery, he faces many challenges.…

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, substance abuse is defined as the addiction to a drug and is influenced by many things, including biology, environment, social development and…

Criteria or diagnostic criteria are the symptoms that are needed to make a diagnosis. Any diagnosis is a label attached to a collection of these symptoms. Substance abuse is listed among the mental…

Substance abuse stems from an individual having a physical or psychological need for drugs or alcohol. When the brain forms an addiction to any particular substance, the ability to think clearly and…

In 1984 the American Nurses Association publicly acknowledged substance abuse in the nursing industry. According to the Mayo Clinic, 19.5 million people over the age of 12 use illegal drugs in the…

Recovery from substance abuse and addiction can be a difficult process. Many people struggle to remain sober, and relapsing is common. The Stages of Change is a model created by James Prochaska and…

The Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WAT-1) is used to assess withdrawal reactions of patients detoxing from opiates, benzodiazepines or other chemical substances. Information is recorded from the first…

Using games in the mix of your substance abuse recovery program can help get patients engaged. Games can get recovery patients to open up when they've been otherwise intimidated or shut down during…

You should be able to trust a professional counselor. Caretakers and counselors are there to help nurture individuals in a time of need and support them with a helping hand when life becomes…

If you plan to seek professional treatment for substance abuse, figuring out how to pay for it can be a daunting task. If you have health insurance that covers substance abuse problems, the company…

Addiction to drugs and alcohol can be particularly harmful when the people involved are health care professionals. With their knowledge of and easy access to drugs, nurses are susceptible to turning…

Substance abuse evaluations are interviews conducted by mental health workers or substance abuse therapists. Generally, the interviewer is looking for the patterns of substance use in a person's life,…

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a condition in which an individual begins to use drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances excessively. Rehabilitation facilities treat individuals…

Triggers are psychological and physical conditions that incite a strong urge to engage in substance abuse. For many people attempting to overcome substance abuse, triggers are a primary source of…

Alcohol abuse is prevalent in people from every walk of life. It is widespread and far-reaching in most cultures and stems from a variety of causes. These causes are the subject of numerous studies…

Substance abuse and dependence conjures up the image of a person who has lost control of his life. For that person the difference between abuse and dependence may be just an academic exercise.…

Substance abuse support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are designed to promote recovery in a healthy, supportive environment. Struggling addicts gather frequently and…

Drug and alcohol support groups exist in each state across the country. Addiction can and does take over your life by harming relationships with friends and family and impacting your performance in…

When you know someone suffering from drug abuse or an addiction, one of the most important but hardest things to do is confront him. It is necessary if you want to see him get help and recover from…

Treating people with substance abuse problems can be challenging. People who struggle with substance abuse and addiction often require long-term treatment and intense follow-up care. They often need…

As of 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that over half of America's population admitted to drinking alcohol frequently. In 2008, nearly 4 million people admitted to…

Case management is a good approach for treating drug addiction because substance abusers have significant problems besides addiction. According to the National Library of Medicine, around 70 percent…

Approximately 21.8 million people admitted to using illicit drugs in 2009, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Illicit…

Treating substance abuse and addiction is a challenge. People with addictions often require long-term treatment and intense follow-up care, as well as a continued program of treatment to help sustain…

Children's Medicaid and substance abuse laws are aimed at helping children with inadequate medical coverage when seeking much needed treatment can be difficult. Children's Medicaid and substance abuse…

Drug tests aren't just available through private laboratories. Testing for substance use at home is reliable and affordable, and urine, saliva and hair are the three most common test types. A hair…

Substance abuse is a complex and often misunderstood disorder. A person can abuse a variety of substances, such as prescription drugs, cocaine, alcohol or food. For many people, chronic abuse of…

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2008 that nearly 75 percent of illicit drug users are employed. However, these drug addicts change jobs often, have high absentee levels and often file…

A cultural genogram is a tool used by therapists and patients to identify and address issues relating to cultural identity and family history. Information is gathered through a series of interviews.…

Substance abuse affects over 3 million people in the United States and can lead to a myriad of problems. Consequences of substance abuse and addiction include problems in major life areas, such as…

Alcohol and drug abuse is a disease that affects over three million people in the U.S. Substance abuse can disrupt major areas of life, leading to neglect of work, family and school responsibilities…

According to Medline Plus, approximately 40 million people are injured in the United States due to substance abuse. This substance abuse can come in the form of drug abuse, both illegal and…

According to A. Lingford-Hughes, a senior lecturer at the University of Bristol, substance abuse is often associated with other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Substance abuse is…

Substance abuse is a disease that is difficult to overcome. Unlike other conditions like cancer or pneumonia, an addict has to make the conscious decision to get better and to deal with his substance…

Substance abuse is one of the most prevalent social problems in the United States. Although it is hard to measure how widespread substance abuse is, the 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse…

Knowing the characteristics of substance abuse is the first step in determining if you or someone you know may be abusing drugs or alcohol. According to Helpguide's Drug Abuse and Addiction, many drug…

Each of the 50 states maintains their own set of rules and regulations regarding substance abuse. Regulations help maintain a person's privacy, assist the families in finding treatment, and make…

Support by peers and employers in the workplace can be key for a person with substance abuse or addiction, especially if that person is not getting the help or support she needs.

Many cigarette smokers also have substance abuse problems, and individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol are less successful in quitting smoking than non-users. Tobacco cessation is a particularly…

Grants are available to faith-based and community organizations to develop programs for substance abuse prevention and treatment targeting children, adolescents and adults.There are few strictly…

Physicians play a key role in providing relief from pain. But this relief can sometimes translate to substance abuse. Some pain pills have a very high potential to become addictive due to their…

Substance abuse is a public health issue that affects families and neighborhoods across the country. The federal government's "2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health" reports that eight percent…

Change is not a single event but rather a process consisting of a series of steps. According to the AddictionInfo website, people who are attempting to end an addiction usually progress through five…

Fraudulent businesses can be found everywhere. They can even include scam operations claiming to be substance abuse treatment centers. In 2009, a treatment center in Milwaukee was suspected of taking…

Substance abuse, including the use of alcohol and illicit drugs and the improper use of prescription drugs, can make for serious issues in healthcare settings. Healthcare providers see patients with…

According to an article by Carole Bennett, "Low self-esteem describes a substandard evaluation or disappointing appraisal of ones' own self worth." It is basically a low opinion of yourself. Our…

Substance abuse is a major concern among people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it costs more than $275 billion in healthcare expenses and accounts for…

Whether a substance abuse counselor seeks introductory classes to begin his career or advanced classes to pursue a master's degree, online training classes provide an attractive alternative to…

Substance abuse among physicians is a serious issue. Physicians impaired by alcohol or drugs endanger the patients in their care, and those physicians risk losing their licenses to practice medicine.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of psychoactive substances, according to the World Health Organization, and can occur with either legal or illegal drugs. In 1996, the National Household…

Recovery from substance abuse requires a great deal of honesty from the person seeking treatment, because denial serves as one of the main problems of drug addiction. When an individual becomes aware…

Community health workers are members of a community who work either for pay or volunteer in association with the local health care system. They offer interpretation and translation services, health…

Substance abuse comes in many forms. Luckily for those who struggle with addiction, as well as their loved ones, there are many programs available that train and certify those individuals interested…

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use and addiction is a complex illness in which the voluntary use of drugs or alcohol gradually becomes compulsive. The institute stresses…

Through the use of tobacco, nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs and the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United States. Cigarette smoking accounts…

Understanding substance abuse requires careful examination of a multitude of factors, both internal and external. An individual's genetic predisposition for abusing drugs or alcohol may play a role,…

Speedball is a slang term for a combination of heroin and cocaine that can be injected intravenously. According to the Harvard Medical School, this combination of drugs is highly dangerous and has…

Narcotics Anonymous consists of addicts helping addicts. The basic text states, "One of the most important things about our new way of life is being a part of a group of addicts seeking recovery. Our…

People who suffer from diabetes or have a family history of diabetes may be more likely to abuse substances such as drugs or alcohol. Diabetes has been linked with depressive disorders that may…

The need for research and funding for substance abuse programs is strong. The cost of substance abuse is staggering, costing the U.S. $66.9 billion on average each year due to drug-related illnesses,…

The CAGE inventory is a four-part series of questions used to assess an individual's level of addiction to alcohol. The term CAGE is used as an acronym, with each letter signifying a question about…

Diagnosing alcoholism and drug addiction requires a much different set of tools than medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease. While most medical screenings have existing, standard protocols,…

Chemical or substance abuse education is an essential part of preventing and treating substance abuse problems. Education is designed to help you recognize the symptoms of a substance abuse problem in…

Substance abuse is a problem that affects many aspects of a person's life. Recognizing the importance of having qualified and competent substance abuse counselors, the Massachusetts Board of Substance…

Substance abuse is defined as using a substance over a period of time despite continued problems and major life disruptions. The American Psychological Association's criteria for substance abuse is…

Terrance Gorski, president of the Cenaps Corporation and author, is involved in programs to help recovering addicts avoid relapse. Cenaps stands for Center of Applied Sciences, which provides training…

With the appropriate treatment plan, a person can recover from drug or alcohol abuse. Attempting to withdraw from alcohol or drugs on your own can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that can even…

Massage therapy has physical benefits such as stimulating blood flow, helping the body clear itself of toxins and relaxing nerves and muscles. It also helps psychologically by calming the patient and…

Whenever a person is faced with a difficult and stressful situation, like substance abuse, denial is a common response. Denial can range from a full-blown refusal to accept reality, to a partial…

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, approximately 19.9 million Americans aged 12 or older used an illegal drug in 2007. There are many factors that can cause a child…

Substance abuse recovery involves more than treatment, as other factors can influence the chances for success. For instance, not treating psychological and social factors can put the recovering addict…

It's one thing to quit drinking, smoking or drugging. But once you quit, it's a whole other dilemma to know what to do. Now that pursuing your drug of choice doesn't take up your time and energy,…

Substance abuse impacts an individual on a number of levels, including having a negative impact on a person's lifestyle. Specifically, substance abuse causes a person's diet to degrade resulting in…

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, one that an individual who abuses drugs can easily develop. Abusing drugs causes the brain's structure and function to change, resulting in harmful effects.…

Ask people to describe the profile of a substance abuser, and they will likely point to a career criminal, not someone who happens to carry a briefcase. The finger is unlikely to fall on coworkers,…

Substance abuse directly affects millions of people in our society each year: statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 8 percent of Americans admitted to using illegal…

Employment in the field of substance abuse counseling is on the rise. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs for substance abuse counselors are expected to increase 34% by 2016; much faster…

From the perspective of social conflict theory, substance abuse is primarily a problem of structural inequality and class conflict. While substance abuse is generally omnipresent throughout society,…

Group therapy for addiction treatment has become popular and is widely used because of the benefits that it provides for those involved. Coping skills, communication skills, confidence, emotional…

Substance abuse is a serious and costly health problem that affects society on many levels. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse is more costly in dollars to Americans…

College days can be times of enlightenment and opportunity for growth; however, according to an article published by USA TODAY, nearly half of the 5.4 million full-time American college students…

Substance Abuse affects society on many levels, but no group is more negatively impacted than the friends, family and other loved ones of those who abuse substances. Loved ones of drug abusers deal…

Drug abuse has long been a problem in the United States. Illegal and legal drugs are used in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons. Legal substances such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and…

Substance abuse can actually be used to describe the excessive use of any physical substance. However, over time, the term "substance abuse" has become more of a societal idiom for the use and abuse…

Remaining healthy during a pregnancy is vital to the development of the child. In maintaining that health, pregnant women should refrain from illicit drug use, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.…

Drugs are abused for a variety of reasons. People may initially use drugs due to curiosity, but discover the effects and develop a preference. Overall, people might use and abuse substances to avoid…

Substance abuse counseling requires a counselor who can break an addict's resistance because most addicts who enter treatment deny that they are addicted to drugs. Recovery from substance abuse also…

A substance abuse assessment is similar to a test you take in high school. Sometimes it's a series of multiple-choice or essay questions, and sometimes it's like an oral exam where you answer the…

Substance abuse can negatively impact health, relationships, finances, school and employment. Some people hit bottom and seek treatment in an effort to recover. It is considered a disease without a…

When you or someone you know enters a substance abuse treatment program, there are a lot of questions you will want to ask the counselors. It might be a fearful experience, but if you get a few…

Recovering from substance abuse can be a difficult task, but there is help available to get you on the road to recovery. You don't have to feel like there is no help out there for you. Many…

Substance use and abuse can lead to substance addiction. According to research conducted by The National Institute on Drug Abuse, the natural end result of continued substance use and abuse is drug…

Substance abuse counselor requirements in the United States vary, depending on both the credentials sought and the particular state involved. Substance abuse counselor licenses are available in many…

Addicts are prime users of manipulation. They use the psychological tool to get friends and family to sympathize with their plight and give them money, which they promptly use for more drugs. They…

New coping styles are needed for those recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, because substance abuse (addiction) is defined as a chronic relapsing disease. An individual addicted to alcohol or…

Substance abuse usually leads to addiction, which is a chronic, progressive disease. Scientists know that substance abuse physically changes the brain and perpetuates the cycle of addiction. When…

Substance abuse is a catch all term applied to a wide array of behaviors attached to the use of both controlled and uncontrolled substances. Substance abused is defined by the Encyclopedia of Mental…

The temptation to try illegal substances seduces many well-intentioned people. It takes a strong offense to remain firm in your desire to avoid substance abuse. Whether the culprit is prescription…

Substance abuse behavior is accompanied by many dangers that include physical, emotional, legal, financial, relational and medical consequences. Dangers associated with substance abuse are common long…

Facts about substance use and abuse are of interest to parents, educators, law enforcement officers, employers and curious members of the general population. Substance use usually differs from…

Substance abuse and addiction is not a moral weakness or lack of self-control, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Those who are addicted to or abuse drugs and alcohol suffer from a…

Since substance abuse counselors are a part of the social services industry, a Bachelor's degree in social services, substance abuse counseling, psychology or sociology is typically necessary to even…

Many people wonder about the types of substance abuse. Numerous substances can be abused by addicts who seek a high. Some substances are uppers, while others are downers. Some addicts use one and then…

With the senior population set to grow in the coming decades, mental-health and substance-abuse problems among the elderly are expected to grow as well. Yet little attention has been paid to seniors…

Homelessness in America remains a widespread phenomenon, with more than 500,000 to 600,000 people considered to be homeless. One of the major factors contributing to homelessness is substance abuse.…