There really can be a life free of substance abuse and addiction.
Substance abuse is essentially a pattern of misuse of any substance for purposes of altering one's mood. Abuse may involve taking drugs that are not legal or using a legal substance, such as alcohol or prescription medicine, too often or in the wrong way that causes problems. The most commonly abused substances are alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication (such as pain pills), methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiates. Addiction is a condition of substance abuse which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities.
Signs of substance dependence
Each person may have slightly different symptoms if they are struggling with substance abuse or addiction. There are some indications, though, that you or someone you love is struggling:
- Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of a substance to get an effect
- Withdrawal symptoms if you decrease or stop using the substance
- Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using the substance
- Withdrawal from social and recreational activities
- Continuing to use the substance/drug even though you experience problems that interfere with work, school, home and or relationships
- Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of substance
- Craving or a strong desire to get and use the substance
- Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence
- Having withdrawal symptoms if not using the substance, drugs or alcohol; or using another drug to avoid the symptoms
While these symptoms are a starting place to identify a substance abuse or an addiction issue, they may resemble other medical concerns or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Providence resources
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, there is help – help that will work. It’s not cliché: there’s a way out. Take a step now:
- Call a behavioral health expert at 800-711-4577, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Call a care nurse at 800-662-1121 or email
caremanagement@providence.org
- Call the
Providence Substance abuse treatment program at 503-574-9200 (Portland-metro and southwest WA areas) or 541-387-6138 (Hood River area)
- Talk to one of our ProvRN nurses, call 800-700-0481 or 503-574-6520 available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Or, call the Alcohol and Drug Help Line at 800-923-4357. If you feel that your life is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Providence is Oregon’s largest, most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services.