Definition
Substance abuse isn’t something that should be taken lightly. It occurs when you use alcohol, prescription medicine, and other legal and illegal substances too much or in the wrong way.
Substance abuse differs from addiction. While many people with substance abuse problems are able to quit or can change their unhealthy behavior, people with addiction are suffering from a disease. It means you can’t stop using even if your condition is causing you harm.
According to reports from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2019, among Blacks with a substance abuse disorder:
- 4 in 9 (43.9%) struggled with illicit drugs
- 2 in 3 (67.4%) struggled with alcohol use
- 1 in 9 (11.1%) struggled with illicit drugs and alcohol
- Opioid misuse continues to decrease in African Americans across all age groups. There are significant decreases for ages 12-17 and 18-25 since 2016.
- Prescription pain reliever misuse significantly decreased in African Americans ages 12-25 since 2017 and remains stable in ages 26 and older.
- Heroin-related opioid use disorder slightly decreased for African Americans ages 26 and older.
- Despite much progress, opioid use disorder significantly increased in African Americans ages 12-17.
- There were no significant changes in cocaine and methamphetamine use across all ages in the African American population.
- Misuse of prescription stimulants in African Americans has slightly decreased in ages 12-17 and 18-25 and remained stable for ages 26 and older.
- LSD use for African Americans ages 12-17 and 18-25 has slightly increased.
- Suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts were significantly increased for African Americans with substance use disorders.
Symptoms
When someone first starts taking a substance, they may appear to have it under control. However, over time, they may start to need more of the drug to get the same feeling or effect. For some people, that can lead beyond abuse to addiction. These are the warning signs that you or someone you know may have a problem with substance abuse:
- Lack of interest in things you used to love
- Change your friends a lot
- Stop taking care of yourself
- Spend more time alone than you used to
- Eat more or less than normal
- Sleep at odd hours
- Have problems at work or with family
- Switch quickly from feeling good and bad
- Crave or strong desire to use the substance
When to Get Help
Substance abuse affects every part of your life. It can hurt you and the people around you as well as ruin your relationships and financial health. Abusing drugs can also lead to addiction and cause serious health problems and even death. Therefore it is essential that you seek treatment as soon as possible. If you notice your drug use getting out of control, you should contact your doctor to find a treatment, therapy, counseling or rehab option.
