Substance Use Disorders & Addiction
What is it?
Substance Use Disorders & Addiction is an increasingly important public health problem. Abuse and dependency on substances has serious consequences on the individual, their family and the community. Early assessment and intervention offers the best chance for long-term recovery.
Substance use may also be a disguise for other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Heavy substance use also puts a person at increased risk of developing psychotic illnesses.
Commonly abused substances are alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, stimulants and heroin. There is also a growing trend of addiction to sleeping pills and painkillers. These addictions have serious repercussion during overdose or a sudden withdrawal state.
Effective treatments are now available for people struggling with addiction. A combination of medications with therapy and rehabilitation offer patients hope for recovery.
Criteria for Substance Abuse Disorders
