A drug, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. Drugs are chemicals that change the way a person's body works by altering emotions and thoughts.

Drugs –What they Are and What they Do ?

Drug abuse is an intense desire to obtain increasing amounts of a particular substance. Drug dependence is the body's physical need, or addiction, to a specific agent. Over the long term, this dependence results in physical harm and behavior problems which causes tolerance and cross tolerance. Thus, it creates a vicious cycle.

Substance abusers are persons who use a substance to the extent that it causes damage to them or society or both.

Substance abuse counselors have specialized training in pharmacological, physiological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of addiction.

Substance Abuse Counseling

• Substance abuse is a critical problem across all segments of the population and impacts in some way all members of our society.

• It is the most prevalent mind disorder, the number one continuing health problem.

• The significant number of the United States population having substance abuse problems is indicated by approximately 6% abusing illegal drugs, 12% having problems with drinking, 25% being addicted to nicotine and conservatively, 10% addicted to prescription medications

Substance Abuse

• These disorders include the active use and/or dependency on any mood-altering substance.

• Substances include alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, caffeine, nicotine, and prescription drugs, as well as legal drugs.

• Addictive behavior is characterized by - preoccupation with the substance or the experience -withdrawal symptoms after not engaging in the substance or

experience - increased tolerance for the substance or activity in order to achieve

the same effect - continued use despite negative consequence