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Substance Abuse
People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons, but it is clear that our society pays a significant cost. The toll for this abuse can be seen in our hospitals and emergency departments through direct damage to health by substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons tally daily the strong connection between crime and drug dependence and abuse. Although use of some drugs such as cocaine has declined, use of other drugs such as “0xycodeine” has increased. Finding effective treatment for and prevention of substance abuse has been difficult. Through research, we now have a better understanding of the behavior. Studies have made it clear that drug education and prevention aimed at children and adolescents offers the best chance to curb abuse nationally. Abused substances produce some form of intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention, or physical control. Many substances can bring on withdrawal effect caused by cessation or reduction in the amount of the substance used. Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety to seizures and hallucinations. Drug overdose may also cause death. Nearly all these drugs also can produce a phenomenon known as tolerance where you must use a larger amount of the drug to produce the same level of intoxication.
Most substances abusers believe they can stop using drugs on their own, but a majority who try do not succeed. Research shows that long-term drug use alters brain function and strengthens compulsions to use drugs. This craving continues even after your drug use stops. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. In Juneau go to: Juneau Mental Health Directory. For more information on Substance Abuse go to: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence;Juneau, Alaska Alaska Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs and Addiction Treatment Centers OxyContin: Prescription Drug Abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse; For Teens American Psychological Association PsychCentral Alcoholics Anonymous Online AA Recovery Resources Narcotics Anonymous Women for Sobriety, Inc Adult Children, Al-Anon Alaska Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder Alcohol and Substance Abuse Drug Rehab 101 In the Rooms; Get Support On-line Drug Rehab.org (Non-Profit Referral Source) Parents. The Anti-Drug Teen Drug Abuse |