Substance Abuse refers to excessive consumption or abuse of a narcotic element which is capable of affecting the mind or the body. The substance involved could be a drug or alcohol. One could say that Substance Abuse is a general term for all forms of drug and alcohol abuse which are the current forms of abnormality in the lives of many men and women all over the world.
Substance Abuse could therefore be in two main forms namely:
Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse is one of the real instances of Substance Abuse. It is also very common in our world today. There are various drugs used in this form of abuse. Two categories of drugs are usually involved; the narcotic hard drugs and other psychoactive or painkilling drugs.
Under the umbrella of the narcotic hard drugs, we have various drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana and so many others. Most of these drugs are out of bound in most countries. They are only permitted to be used by doctors in the hospital especially in cases where they are needed for anesthesia. In various states of America, it is a punishable misdemeanor to be found in possession of such hard drugs. Anybody caught is liable to a jail term of not more than one year with some fines to be paid. However, the punishment depends on the quantity of the drug seen in someone’s possession. Despite the ban on these hard drugs, many people are using and abusing them on daily basis courtesy of the drug traffickers who have continued to resist all forms of strategies put in place to checkmate their dirty deals.
Other painkiller drugs are usually available but they are meant to be taken in accordance with the prescription of a doctor. But, many people are abusing such drugs by taking more doses than required by their doctors.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol Abuse is the second form of Substance Abuse. This is also a common sight in every nook and cranny of the world. Alcohol is the intoxicating element in fermented drinks. The substance is used in the production of various kinds of beers ad wines meant for human consumption. Most beers do come with high concentration of alcohol. Many people especially the men folk are abusing the alcoholic substance day in day out.
However, both drug and alcohol could also be involved in the issue of abuse. This is usually a very serious case which leads to total dependence of such substance for survival. Many people are currently wallowing in drug and alcohol addiction.
Meanwhile, the good news is that Substance Abuse could be handled and treated in the lives of those perpetrating the act. There are various drug and alcohol rehab centers where substance abusers and addicts are usually treated. The method of detoxification and other psychotherapeutic means are usually engaged in restoring such abusers and addicts back to real life.
In all, Substance Abuse as an ugly act is very deadly. It is capable of escalating into Substance addiction which is indeed a very dangerous condition capable of snuffing life out the individuals involved.
