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There are many, many myths about alcohol and substance abuse. For the sake of brevity, we will use the phrase ''substance abuse'' to describe any unhealthy, unwise pattern of substance use that leads to significant impairment or distress. Substance abuse looks a little different from person to person. Other people cannot be used as comparisons or benchmarks. You must decide, on a case by case basis, whether the use of a substance causes you or a loved one to:
- Fail to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
- Put yourself in dangerous situations (driving an automobile, operating machinery)
- Become involved in substance-related legal problems
- Continue use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems
If left untreated, substance abuse can kill you. That's worth saying again: If left untreated, substance abuse can kill you. It is a chronic, progressive disease, but the progression of the disease is highly individual. For example, it might take one person twenty years of alcohol abuse before his or her health is impaired; in another individual, it might take only one or two years before brain or liver damage begins. A cocaine addict may "hit bottom" in only a few short months. Someone else may abuse prescription drugs for a period of years before paying a physical price. Age, sex, cultural background and physical health all play a significant role in the progression of the disease.
Heavy drinking increases your risk of liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis. It also increases your risk of liver, mouth, throat, larynx (voice box) and esophageal cancer. It can cause vitamin deficiencies, skin problems, digestive problems, heart and central nervous system damage and memory loss. Heavy drinking also increases your risk of death from automobile crashes, work injuries. Pregnant mothers who drink can do serious harm to their unborn children.
Substance abuse is a "family disease." It affects everyone in the family, including the non-drinking spouse and children. All those that love and care about you are affected. It tends reappear generation after generation, even if the particular choice of drug or alcohol does changes. You are at risk for serious medical consequences, from physical damage by the drug to damage caused by taking risks "under the influence." Substance abuse often masks other emotional problems. Polypharmacy (the abuse of more than one substance) is increasingly common in young adults. Prescription drug abuse is common in the elderly, where it is particularly problematic since metabolism changes with age.
Dependence on alcohol or drugs can be psychological as well as physical. Many people become preoccupied with their chosen substance and feel an intense emotional compulsion to seek it. People lose self-esteem as they begin to feel worse and worse about their situation.
The desire to quit is almost never enough. We have all heard stories of the guy down the street who " just decided one day and then never touched the stuff again." That is extremely rare and can be very dangerous. Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol requires medical supervision.
Substance withdrawal is the development of a potentially life threatening medical syndrome after stopping or reducing substance use that has been prolonged or heavy. You may seek the medical monitoring needed to manage the symptoms of withdrawal from an emergency room, your primary care physician, the St. Vincent Stressline or a detoxification center. Depending upon the severity of withdrawal symptoms, monitoring could take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
If you think you are suffering from chemical dependency, or an alcohol and/or drug abuse problem, or you have a friend or relative who is suffering from an alcohol or substance abuse problem, you can discuss treatment options by calling the Stressline at (317) 338-4800.
Disclaimer: This material is intended for the purpose of general education. It is not comprehensive. It will not substitute for the evaluation and intervention of a mental health professional.
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