Substance abuse is using certain legal substances in excess or regularly obtaining illegal drugs. The most common substances include:

• Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone
• Illegal opioids (heroin)
• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Solvents (glue)
• Stimulants (amphetamines)
• Marijuana
• Hallucinogens (LSD)
• MDMA (ecstasy)

These substances alter your mood or consciousness, making you feel happy, relaxed, energized, or confident. However, they can also devastate your mental and physical health. Misusing these substances can lead to addiction, a state where nothing matters more than your next fix (dose).

People with addictions can lose their jobs, families, and homes because they are obsessed with their chosen substance. Recognizing and dealing with substance abuse can help avoid addiction’s devastating and potentially fatal consequences.

People with substance use disorder develop symptoms such as:

• Insomnia (inability to sleep) or sleeping excessively
• Irritability and mood swings 
• Increased or reduced appetite
• Losing interest in pleasurable activities
• Difficulties functioning at work or school
• Inability to get through the day without a fix
• Spending more than they can afford on the chosen substance

Substance abuse often leads to addiction because your body builds a tolerance over time. You need to take higher doses more often to achieve the desired effects. Eventually, you need frequent fixes just to function.

If any of these issues sound familiar, reach out to the team of mental health professionals at One Alkaline Life, LLC for help before your problem worsens.

Therapy can be invaluable when overcoming substance use disorder. Talking to a skilled mental health professional from One Alkaline Life, LLC helps you explore your vulnerabilities to substance misuse and work through them.

You may have experienced abuse or neglect or have chronic stress that you need help managing. Existing mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety can increase your risk of developing substance use disorder, and chronic pain often leads to opioid misuse.

One Alkaline Life, LLC’s experienced substance use disorder experts understand your compulsion and the effects each substance has on your brain and body. They can help you wean off these substances and overcome your disorder, often in combination with medicines from your doctor that reduce withdrawal effects.

To find a way through substance abuse to a better life beyond, call One Alkaline Life, LLC, or book a telemedicine appointment online today.