About Substance Abuse
Substance abuse affects around 25 million Americans. The Pacific Mind Health psychiatrists have a wealth of experience treating men and women dealing with substance abuse in Long Beach, California, and the surrounding communities. With the right medical and emotional support, you can overcome your addiction and regain control of your life. The Pacific Mind Health psychiatrists offer personalized care and take time to get to know each individual. Call or click to schedule online.
What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse refers to the overconsumption of an addiction to mind- and behavior-altering substances that have negative health and behavioral outcomes. Substance abuse is a complex issue that can pose serious risks to your health. The inappropriate or excessive use of a substance can be hard to define.
Many researchers believe addiction is based in the brain. Many people with addictions misuse prescription drugs or use illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, despite the problems that the addiction causes in daily life. Over time, excess alcohol and drug use can alter the way your brain works and affect your self-control and ability to make rational and healthy decisions. Most drugs and alcohol cause intense cravings in your brain.
What causes substance abuse?
The causes of substance abuse aren’t always clear, but many experts point to genetics and environmental factors. Some people are more likely to develop an addiction than others. If you previously had or currently have an environment where your friends or family misuse drugs, this could increase your risk of substance abuse.
Once you start misusing drugs, your genetics play an important role in how quickly you become addicted.
What are the signs of substance abuse?
While everyone is different, there are many signs of substance abuse, including:
What are the treatments for substance abuse?
Treatment for substance abuse is usually centered around abstinence and can involve a variety of therapies. Your Pacific Mind Health provider might recommend psychotherapy to help you manage stress and develop coping mechanisms and enhanced self-esteem and control. Your psychiatrist might also recommend certain medications and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and stress management.
If depression is exacerbating or causing your substance abuse, your Pacific Mind Health psychiatrist might recommend treating your depression with methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or medication therapy.
The right psychiatric care can help you manage your cravings, resist temptation, and improve your quality of life overall. If you’re dealing with substance abuse, call or schedule your personal consultation online.
Substance abuse refers to the overconsumption of an addiction to mind- and behavior-altering substances that have negative health and behavioral outcomes. Substance abuse is a complex issue that can pose serious risks to your health. The inappropriate or excessive use of a substance can be hard to define.
Many researchers believe addiction is based in the brain. Many people with addictions misuse prescription drugs or use illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, despite the problems that the addiction causes in daily life. Over time, excess alcohol and drug use can alter the way your brain works and affect your self-control and ability to make rational and healthy decisions. Most drugs and alcohol cause intense cravings in your brain.
What causes substance abuse?
The causes of substance abuse aren’t always clear, but many experts point to genetics and environmental factors. Some people are more likely to develop an addiction than others. If you previously had or currently have an environment where your friends or family misuse drugs, this could increase your risk of substance abuse.
Once you start misusing drugs, your genetics play an important role in how quickly you become addicted.
What are the signs of substance abuse?
While everyone is different, there are many signs of substance abuse, including:
- Regular use of the substance (daily or every other day)
- A need to take more of the substance the longer you use it
- Previous failed attempts to stop using the substance
- Physical and psychological dependence on the substance
- Withdrawal symptoms, including sweating, high blood pressure, and trembling
- Failure to meet work, social, and academic obligations
- Physical illness or injury
- Diminished interest in other activities
- Impulsivity, such as spending money excessively
- Relationship problems
What are the treatments for substance abuse?
Treatment for substance abuse is usually centered around abstinence and can involve a variety of therapies. Your Pacific Mind Health provider might recommend psychotherapy to help you manage stress and develop coping mechanisms and enhanced self-esteem and control. Your psychiatrist might also recommend certain medications and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and stress management.
If depression is exacerbating or causing your substance abuse, your Pacific Mind Health psychiatrist might recommend treating your depression with methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or medication therapy.
The right psychiatric care can help you manage your cravings, resist temptation, and improve your quality of life overall. If you’re dealing with substance abuse, call or schedule your personal consultation online.
