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There are many reasons that people start taking drugs. Some people start taking drugs to experiment, or because of peer pressure. Substance abuse can also begin as a means of escape. It may be an escape from unhappy memories, stress, or any number of other factors. No matter the reason, getting high becomes harder and harder as tolerance levels increase. More and more of the substance is required to achieve the desired result. As the quantity of drugs increases, the addiction deepens and there is a greater risk of overdose. Users may believe that nothing that feels so good can be bad, but they are wrong. In addition to the risk of overdose, substance abuse can cause or worsen many other issues, including legal, financial, and social problems.
 Some symptoms of substance abuse are: cravings for the drug, the use of a substance on a regular basis, an increase in tolerance for the drug, blackouts, depression, irritability, bloodshot eyes, the sniffles, the avoidance of activities that do not include using the drug, insomnia, and physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, nausea, and shaking) after not taking the drug.
Drug addiction is not something that is easy to recover from. People do not continue abusing drugs because they are weak-minded or because they don't really want to quit. It is an illness, and in order to stop abusing substances, it is necessary to seek treatment. Overcoming this disease is difficult alone. Successful treatment includes but is not limited to: counseling, lifestyle changes, medication therapy, residential therapy, or (ideally) a combination of methods. Each instance of substance abuse is different, so treatment is tailored to each individual. Many programs and treatment centers exist worldwide to hasten recovery from substance addiction. Relapses can be prevented by long-term sessions with a counselor or participation in a support group. To discuss options with a professional, call 800-847-0544.
Substance abuse is a serious condition, but it is treatable. If you believe that you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to a substance, you should seek help immediately.
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