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What is a substance abuse problem? |
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People who use
any sort of mood-altering chemicals do so with the expectation that the
chemical will help them have a pleasurable time. That can include the
first cup of coffee or cigarette in the morning to the glass of wine
during dinner. No one would fault individuals for seeking out this level
of enjoyment. People do not
start using a mood-altering chemical with the thought that their use of
the substance would ever become problematic or create a dependency for
them. Unfortunately the world of feeling good involves a lot more than
just good intentions. As our neurochemistry becomes use to our substance
of choice, the factor of tolerance kicks in. More of the substance is
required to elicit the same effect. Increased tolerance and frequency
begin to take up more and more time in the individual’s day. The simplest
measure of substance abuse is the problems it creates for the user.
Increased tolerance brings greater activity to our neurochemical
hardwiring so behavior is affected to the point that individuals may be
acting in a manner that is totally out of character for them and solely as
a result of being under the influence. Initially one
might miss seeing the connection between problems and the use of
mood-altering drugs. The more that he/she shrugs off these early warning
signs the more inevitable it is that more negative outcomes are occurring.
Rationalizations and intellectualizations are often used, as a way of
denying that use could in any way be problematic. After all EVERYONE is
using just like them. If people’s use of a mood-altering substance is creating problems for them on a regular basis and they are not able to act on that awareness, then they may have a substance abuse problem. |
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