Substance Abuse
Questions and Answers
Questions & Answers
For this section we did our own research and interviewed New Directions counselor Tom Mitchen in order to best answer your questions.
Tom Mitchen's Credentials: New Directions, John Carroll University, University of Akron, Masters in Science and Education
Q1
What are the signs and symptoms of substance abuse problems?
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Q3
How can you tell if you have an addictive
personality?
A1
When your first priority becomes a drug (including alcohol), that's when you know you have an addiction. If you have lost interest in things that used to bring you pleasure, or if you start doing things that you ordinarily would find immoral in order to get the drug you desire.
A3
If you continuously repeat the same behavior in order to satisfy a desire that becomes your main priority you may have an addictive personality. However, almost everyone can become addicted to something, but it comes down to whether you have the self control to stop yourself from engaging in that activity.​
Q2
​What are the factors that increase the risk of having a substance abuse problem?
Q2
What can I do if I see a loved one/ friend suffering from addiction?
A2
Substance Abuse problems are increased due to your genetic makeup (if addiction is a problem in your family you should be aware that you are at an increased risk of having similar problems). Your chances of substance abuse problems are also increased based on your environment (if you hangout with people who abuse substances you are more likely to yourself).
Q2
Start a conversation with them about their problems. This should be handled similarly to mental health issues (Give them examples if bad behaviors without labeling them an addict). Show them what they are doing to themselves and others through their substance abuse issues (sometimes in addiction you forget about everything outside of satisfying your need for the drug/alcohol so they will tend to act irrationally. It is important you give them the tools to seek help. Create a supportive base for them and guide them towards talking to parents, counselors, a rehabilitation center etc. You can't force someone to get better. You can't even force them to get help, so do not put unnecessary blame and guilt on yourself if they do not accept your offers because offering is all you can do.
Q5
What are healthy ways to recognize and avoid substance abuse problems?
of getting help?
A5
In order to recognize substance abuse problems early you have to honestly check in with yourself often. If the main pleasure in your life is some sort of substance you should find a better form of pleasure. For example, get involved in things that can satisfy your urges, such as physical exercise and sports. This activity must be a continuous project. You must do it often for your brains chemistry to change and assign pleasure to things outside of substance abuse thus lower your desire to drink, smoke, etc.
A7
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Q6
What do rehabilitation centers provide?
it?
A6
Rehabilitation centers provide three different types of care... ​
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Out-patient: this is when you come in when you need care around once a week therapy sessions
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Intense out-patient: this is everyday or every other day care
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Residential treatment: This sort of treatment means you are living in the facility for a certain amount of days. Unable to leave and use drugs or alcohol during your
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Rehabilitation centers have begun to focus a lot more on mental care because addiction is now being classified as a disease that should be treated with therapy along with the physical aspects of withdrawal.
A8
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