Substance use is a growing problem across the nation. Despite this, many people still ask, “What is substance use?” People often use substance use and addiction interchangeably. However, the two aren’t exactly the same.
Substance use is what leads to addiction. It’s also important to note that it isn’t a victimless activity. It hurts the user and puts a strain on their families, hospitals, and jails. Society has to pay for the actions of substance users, which is one of many reasons why it’s so important for people to get help.
What Is Substance Use?
At its core, substance use is the misuse of drugs. This includes substances such as:
- Alcohol
- Illegal Drugs
- Prescription Drugs
- Tobacco
- Opioids
The biggest difference between substance use and addiction is that people can abuse a substance without being dependent on it. Drugs change the chemical balance in the brain. This leads to emotional, physical and psychological dependence. However, addiction starts when abuse turns into dependence.
When people abuse substances, it’s their choice to continue to use drugs. Sometimes they like the way it makes them feel. Other times, they use it to escape reality. With addiction, however, the chemical imbalance in the brain takes away their choice so that they can’t stop.
Risk of Abusing Illegal Drugs
While abusing any drug is dangerous, illegal street drugs are even more so. One of the biggest problems is the lack of manufacturing standards. This means that people never know for sure how big of a dose they’re getting when they buy street drugs. They’re also never sure if they’re getting the drugs that they pay for.
This is why some people end up developing an addiction to drugs after using them just a few times. Illegal street drugs put their health and safety at risk.
The Dangers of Recreational Use
Some people claim that they don’t have a substance use problem, saying that they use drugs recreationally. This is a dangerous mindset to have. Many people who abuse drugs use this fundamental idea as a crutch to continue supporting their drug abuse problem.
Recreational drug use typically turns into abuse or addiction without the users ever knowing it. Those who typically notice are the people on the outside looking in. This includes family and friends who just want the best for their loved ones.
What is Substance Use Treatment Like at Crestview Recovery
Substance use can easily turn into an addiction if you don’t get proper help. That’s why you should check yourself into Crestview Recovery at the first sign of substance use. From illegal drugs to prescription drug abuse, our master therapists have the experience to get you the help that you need. Some of the substance use and addiction treatment programs that we offer include:
- Partial hospitalization
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
- Intensive outpatient
- Individual therapy
- 90-day extended care treatment
Part of all of our addiction treatment programs are our therapy programs. When you enter into your treatment program, you will spend most of your time in therapy. The purpose of this is to reach the root of addiction. We offer a variety of holistic therapy and evidence-based therapy programs, including:
- Art therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectal behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
Get the help that you need today by reaching out to the staff at Crestview Recovery. No two people are the same, so no two addiction recovery plans should be the same. Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
