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Alcohol And Substance Abuse

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Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorder Substance abuse is the continued use of any medication, non-medically indicated drug, or toxins such as but not limited to opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, stimulants, cannabinoid drugs, cocaine-based drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, and alcohol. Those with substance abuse often fail to meet social and professional obligations, and they are subjected to interpersonal conflicts as well as legal problems. Substance abuse is more frequently diagnosed among those who are just beginning to take drugs. Substance abuse is often an early symptom of substance dependence, however while substance abuse could eventually evolve into substance dependence or addiction, substance abuse can linger for extended periods …show more content…
In addition to the general symptoms of substance abuse there are drug specific symptoms, for example someone that abused alcohol would show signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, unsteady walking, memory impairment, as well as behavioral changes including aggressive behavior, volatile moods, and impaired functioning. There are three goals for the treatment of people with substance abuse disorders, the first is that the patient refuses to or reduces the use of the substance, second is the patient reduces the frequency and severity of relapses, finally the patient must develop the psychological and emotional skills necessary for integration back into society. However before treatment can begin patients usually undergo detoxification, the process of weaning a patient from his or her substance use, this can be done by immediately stopping all substance use, or by slowly curtailing the patients …show more content…
Untreated alcohol abuse for example can damage the brain as well as the liver. Heavy consumption of alcohol can have extensive effects on the brain ranging from memory loss to total blackouts. Heavy drinkers can develop serious and persistent changes in the brain. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 80 percent of alcoholics have a thiamine deficiency and they can eventually develop brain disorders such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). WKS consists of two separate syndromes, Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis. The symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy are paralysis of the nerves that move the eyes, difficulty with muscle coordination, and mental confusion. Korsakoff’s psychosis patients are forgetful and have difficulty with walking as well as coordination. Heavy drinking can damage the liver, the liver breaks down alcohol and harmlessly clears for the body. Liver dysfunction is left unattended can also harm the brain, leading to a serious disorders such as hepatic encephalopathy which causes changes in sleep patterns, mood, and personality; depression; shortened attention spans; and problems with

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