What is Substance Abuse?
Lots of us relax and the end of the day with a glass of wine or celebrate a special occasion with a champagne toast. But sometimes we can take our drinking too far, drinking more or more often than we had intended, or hoping that our drinking will solve problems that it really just makes worse. Similarly, the use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine can be problematic, not just because their use is against the law. Even using prescription drugs, especially those with addictive qualities such as Xanax, Vicodin, Valium and Ritalin, can get out of hand.
When does use cross over into abuse? According to the DSM-IV-TR, Substance Abuse is a persistent and unhealthy "pattern of substance use manifested by recurrent and significant averse consequences related to the repeated use of substances… There may be repeated failure to fulfill major role obligations, repeated use in situations in which it is physically hazardous, multiple legal problems and recurrent social and interpersonal problems…. The individual may repeatedly demonstrate intoxication or other substance-related symptoms when expected to fulfill major role obligations at work school or home… While intoxicated the individual may neglect children or household duties… The person may repeatedly be intoxicated in situations that are physically hazardous, e.g. while driving a car… There may be recurrent substance-related legal problems, e.g. arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence."
Substance Dependence takes this a step further. You are not just getting into trouble or neglecting important duties because of your use. You cross over into Dependence when you develop tolerance for a drug or alcohol and need to increase the amount you use to become intoxicated. Withdrawal, or experiencing unpleasant mental and physical side effects when you don't use, is another symptom of Substance Dependence. People who meet criteria for Substance Dependence also may express a desire to cut down or regulate their use, but end up using more and for longer or more often than they intended. Sometimes it can feel like the drug or alcohol has taken over your life, as most of your time is spent getting, using, or recovering from your use. You may even cut down on other activities, social life included, in favor of using the substance. In some people the dependence is so strong that they keep on using even though they know that the drug is causing mental or physical problems in their life, such as exacerbating existing medical conditions or causing depression.
Don't kid yourself! Denial that you meet criteria is also a hallmark of substance abuse issues. "I can see that this is a problem for other people and yeah, something like that may have happened to me once or twice but it's not really a major problem in my life." Acceptance is the first step to being able to make change.
Finding Om Yoga Therapy is designed to help you become aware of your negative patterns and give you mental and physical skills to use instead of substances. These skills will enhance your health, better your relationships and make you feel better about yourself in numerous ways.