Substance Abuse in Upper Marlboro and Silver Spring, MD
Substance abuse is a common problem, and it can lead to harmful changes in your life. If you think you may have a substance abuse problem or know someone who does, substance abuse counseling and treatment can help you and someone you care about.
How Substance Abuse Can Be Harmful to Your Health
Whether you are having a problem with drugs or alcohol, addiction can dramatically affect your body. Your liver, heart, lungs, and other vital organs will suffer because they aren’t getting the nutrients they need. Often, drugs and alcohol take the place of food. This can lead to:
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Liver and kidney damage
- Heart damage
How Substance Abuse Can Be Harmful to Your Life
Substance abuse doesn’t just stop at harming your body. Your relationships, performance at work, family dynamics, and many other social factors will be affected. Your mental state can suffer too, because you may develop depression and feel isolated and alone.
The Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse:
You or someone you know may have a problem with substance abuse if you or someone you care about has:
- intense cravings for drugs or alcohol
- A need to get more of the substance to achieve the same result
- A need to always keep a supply on hand
- Undertaken risky behaviors while using drugs or alcohol
- Not been meeting work or social obligations
- Been isolating from friends and family
- Been causing physical or psychological harm while using drugs or drinking
- Been experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping drug or alcohol consumption
Substance Abuse Treatment Options
Your behavioral health and wellness doctor will use multiple treatments and therapies to help, starting with an initial consultation to discuss overall health, medical issues, and the substances you are currently using. Professional treatments your doctor may recommend include:
- Individual counseling, to help you manage cravings and modify behaviors
- Group counseling, to help you develop coping skills and know you are not alone
- Medications, to help with withdrawal symptoms and ease you into life without substance abuse
- Alternative activities including meditation, exercise, and other options to provide healthy substitutes for substance abuse
