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What is Substance Use?

Substance use refers to the use of the selected substances including:

  • Alcohol

  • Tobacco products

  • Drugs

  • Inhalents

  • Other substances that can be absorbed into the body with possible effects

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is the excessive use of any of the previously mentioned substances. It can lead to physical, social, or emotional harm that an individual has an inability to control. When you are addicted to a substance, you may continue using the drug despite any harm it may cause.

Drug symptoms and behaviors include:

  • Feeling the need to use drugs daily.

  • Having intense urges to use a drug to block an unwanted feeling or behavior.

  • Needing more of a drug to get the same feeling (because you have built up a tolerance for it).

  • Maintaining a supply of the drug.

  • Spending money on the drug, even if you can't afford it.

  • Not meeting work obligations and responsibilities.

  • Doing things to get the drug that you wouldn't normally do.

  • Partaking in risky activities.

  • Failing in your attempts to stop using a drug.

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.

Possible signs that a loved one is using drugs include:

  • Problems at school or work - regularly missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in work performance. 

  • Physical health issues - lack of energy and motivation, weight fluctuations, or red irritated eyes.

  • Neglected appearance - lack of interest in appearance. 

  • Changes in behavior - being secretive or withdrawn from loved ones.

  • Money issues - sudden request for money without explanation, finding that money/items is missing or stolen.

Classifications of Drugs

Signs and symptoms of drug use and/or intoxication may vary, depending one what drugs have been used. Below you will find several:

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  1. Central Nervous System (CNS) ​Depressants: Groups of drugs that depress the activities of the central nervous system.

Examples include:

  • Sedative: Drugs that have a calming effect on a person's behavior.

  • Hypnotic: A drug that produces drowsiness and sleep.

       - Barbiturates: Help people sleep and relieve tension.

       - Tranquilizers: Used to treat anxiety and relax muscles.

    2. CNS Stimulants: A group of drugs that speeds up the activities within the central nervous system.

Examples include:

  • Cocaine: Highly addictive stimulant that is taken from the leaves of the coca bush.

  • Crack: Purified cocaine that is smoked to produce a rapid and intense reaction.

  • Amphetamines: Speeds up the messages between the brain and the body.  

  • Methamphetamines: Takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Even a small dose can increase wakefulness, physical activity and decrease appetite.

  • Methylphenidate: Used to treat ADHD. Stimulates a portion of the brain that helps a person be more alert and reduces their hyperactivity.

  • Caffeine: Most commonly used stimulant that can be found in chocolate, coffee, tea, soda and/or prescription drugs.

    3. Hallucinogens: Drugs that interfere with a person's senses and causes hallucinations.

Examples include:

  • LSD ("Acid"):One of the most potent, mood-changing chemicals that are manufactured from lysergic acid. 

  • Phencyclidine (PCP or "Angel Dust"): Can act as a stimulant, sedative-hypnotic, or painkiller.

  • Ecstasy (MDMA): Can also act as a stimulant. Increases your senses and causes a feeling or euphoria. 

    4. Dissociative Anesthetics: Drugs that distort perceptions of sight and sound that promotes feelings of detachment or dissociation from the environment self.

Examples include:

  • Ketamine ("Special K"): Injectable, short-acting anesthetic for both humans and animals.

  • Dextromethorphan (DXM or "Robo"): A cough suppressant & ingredient in some OTC cold & cough medications. 

  • Salvia Divinorum ("Magic Mint"): A psychoactive plant common to Southern Mexico, Central, and South America. 

    5. Narcotic Analgesics: Drugs that slow down the central nervous system relieves pain, slows down body functions, and are illegal to possess without a proscription.

Examples include:

  • Opium: White, milky-like fluid from the poppy plant.

  • Morphine: One of the strongest pain relievers within medicine.

       - Codeine: Painkiller is produced from morphine and is found in some cough           medications.

       - Heroin ("Smack"): Derived from morphine and is highly addictive.

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    6. Inhalants: Chemicals that affect mood/behavior when inhaled, that creates a  high. Inhalants are not controlled drugs but in most cases chemicals that are not suppose to be inhaled or used as a drug.

Examples include:

  • Finger Nail Polish Remover

  • Paper Correction Fluid

  • Transmission Fluid

  • Laughing Gas

  • Glue

  • Gasoline

  • Hairspray

  • Spray Paint

    7. Cannabis (Marijuana): Contains THC (a depressant, stimulant, and mild hallucinogenic drug), a psychoactive ingredient that changes the way sensory information reaches and is acted upon by the brain.

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