Do you know anyone who might have an issue with substance dependence? This is just a glossed-over term for a person who might have an addiction to a chemical substance. Substance dependence can come in many forms including but not limited to: alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, depressants, stimulants and prescription medication.
No person ever began experimenting with drugs or alcohol with the intention of becoming addicted. Many people fall into using drugs unintentionally; they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, abused a prescription, fell victim to peer pressure, etc. Most people who use drugs don’t have the intention of developing an addiction or substance dependence. They begin using recreationally and it later becomes a habit. This is true of every single drug addict, regardless of the time it took for the addiction to set in.
Substance dependence can occur in as little as one hit of crack or heroin or crystal meth. For others the addiction is a gradual process.
Substance dependence is defined as a drug user’s compulsive need to use controlled substances in order to function normally. Sometimes it’s hard to understand how someone could get to this point, but it could happen to anyone and isn’t reserved for those with problems, the homeless, or gang members. Anyone including doctors, lawyers, students, and school teachers alike can find themselves with a substance abuse problem.
Prescription drug dependence is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. Prescription drugs have always been relatively easy to obtain through a physician and if taken for too long or not as prescribed, are extremely addictive. Now there is increased access to online pharmacies and a growing number of young people obtaining drugs through their parents’ medicine cabinets. This is a source of serious concern as college campuses, and even high schools, have become a hotspot for prescription drugs being passed around and abused.
The best thing to do if you suspect that someone you know may be suffering from substance dependence is to talk to them and be aware of what’s going on in their life. Sometimes all a person needs is a sympathetic ear and if they need more, then you will be there to help them get help too. An online drug class is a good place to start. This is especially true if the addict prefers to begin rehab anonymously.