Fast Facts about Substance Abuse /Addiction
- Substance abuse can be defined as the repeated consumption of psychoactive substances.
- Alcohol, followed by drugs intake, is the most common method of substance abuse.
- Most common symptoms include intense urges to have the drug, lack of socialization, trouble having mental clarity, trouble concentrating, and the inability to perform efficiently.
- In America, the use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and prescriptions all costs nearly $137 billion in healthcare expenses annually.
- The age cohort most severely affected by substance abuse includes people in the ages 25-29. Almost 19.8% of this population is battling with some form of addiction or substance abuse.
- The prevalence of substance abuse is most common in Caucasian men and women followed by Hispanic men and women.
Substance abuse refers to the hazardous or harmful consumption of psychoactive substances such as illicit drugs or alcohol. Many studies reveal that the abuse of these substances can cause severe harm to the individual’s liver overtime. Additionally, it also leads to dependence syndrome – a group of cognitive, behavioral, and psychological occurrence, which forms after repeated consumption of the drug. When one suffers from dependence syndrome, it becomes almost impossible to stop them from taking the drug or controlling what amounts it should be taken in. This ultimately results in addiction, which is difficult to overcome from. There can be a number of causes that increases one’s chances of taking the drug. Since it is neither a disease nor a condition, anyone can the take up the habit of drugs or alcohol and find it difficult to let go. Some factors that increase one’s likelihood of substance abuse include:
- Peer pressure
- Genetics
- Mental illness
- Lack of social interaction
- Family behavior
Symptoms
The symptoms or behaviors generally associated with substance abuse include:
- Intense urges to have the drug
- Needing more of the drug to get the same feeling overtime
- Ensuring that one always has sufficient amount of drugs
- Spending money on it even when one doesn’t have enough
- Opting for crimes like theft when you don’t have the money to by the drug
- Cutting back on social interactions and recreational activities
- Failing to meet work responsibilities and obligations
- Taking risks under the influence of the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps manage substance abuse, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing substance abuse and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for substance abuse. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with substance abuse:
Turmeric Veggie Caps
One of the most harmful effects of substance abuse is on one’s liver. Many chronic substance abuse patients can suffer from conditions like cancer or cirrhosis. Turmeric, which contains curcumin, can help protect the liver from damage. It is an active ingredient present in turmeric. Multiple studies suggest that it can treat a number of liver conditions. Furthermore, it is also known to treat oxidative stress, which is caused by substance abuse.
BE CLEAN (A/F)
The Be Clean tonic is an effective remedy to treat weight loss, harm caused by spending too much time in a toxic environment, or when recovering from substance abuse. It helps the victims of substance abuse control their urges.
B-50 Capsules
The B-50 capsules are also an effective medication to treat substance abuse. They come packed with many active nutrients including vitamin B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, and folic acid etc. When the body receives all these nutrients in the form of one single supplement, it restores proper functioning of adrenal function and maintains antioxidants levels
Skullcap
Skullcap has been proven beneficial in alleviating drug withdrawal symptoms. It does so by treating multiple nervous system disorders, calming the nerves, strengthening the nervous system, fighting headaches, and providing mental clarity –all of which are symptoms of substance abuse.
NAC 1000 mg Tablets
The tablets are a non-essential amino acid in an active form. The tablets contain sulfur, which is known to stabilize protein formation in the body. This stabilization results in the production of Glutathione in sufficient amounts. Glutathione is a potent free radical, which controls immune system function by boosting overall nervous system health. The result is mental clarity, which is one of the most common problems one experiences when overdosed with drugs or alcohol.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing substance abuse, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements to your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health.