Substance abuse includes the chronic use or misuse of medications, illegal drugs, alcohol and other substances that can alter the mind and health of the user. While some people use substances thinking they will ease pain, they more often create pain of a different sort. Over time, substance use can ruin lives and lead to misery and negativity.
Not All Substance Abuse is Drug and Alcohol Related
Misuse of any substance can be a trap. Overeating can be a form of abuse. The key factor is overuse or misuse leading to self-harm. Many people find themselves trying to self-sooth with substances. Sometimes because they are in physical pain and sometimes the pain is emotional. In the beginning they feel some relief from the activity, but over time it takes more and more to get the same feeling of relief.
What Starts Out Fun, Can End Up Dangerous
It can feel good to get your mind off your problems and have a nice dinner and drinks. The momentary relief from what’s going on feels like a miracle. When things don’t resolve themselves, it can become easier and easier to turn to substances like food and alcohol to avoid the stresses or life. The problem is the problem never gets resolved. Then, the consequences of overeating or drinking too much start to mount. Weight gain, hangovers, and worse only add to the original issues.
The compound effect of unresolved problems and the fallout from substance abuse can lead to a negative mindset. Feeling hopeless and helpless about a difficult situation and adding the woes of substance abuse on top only can only make things worse.
Substance Abuse and Addiction are Not the Same
Misuse of substances isn’t something to take lightly. Substance abuse is different from addiction because users are generally able to control or stop the behavior. That doesn’t mean substance abuse can’t turn into an addiction though. That takes things to a whole new level. While substance abuse and addiction aren’t exactly the same, they are both dangerous and not in your best interest.
Don’t Fall for the Trap! Get Help Now
If the stress and negativity in your life are causing you to misuse any substance, it’s extremely important to take it seriously and get some help. There’s nothing too big that you can’t get support to manage. Even recreational misuse of substances can lead to lasting long-term issues. Find the right help for the situation you’re in and you’ll get better results than any substance can offer.
