Substance

What is
Substance
Abuse
A very serious problem in the U.S.
Abuse? is substance abuse, this leads to
many health risks and problems
Substance abuse is using
that people may not know about.
an illegal substance or
alcohol, legal drugs, or
prescriptions too much or
in the wrong way. Not
only does it affect the
person but also everyone
around them, friends,

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Sara Woolery
family, coworkers, etc.
You will learn what to
look for to determine if
someone is abusing
drugs and the long term
affects.
Here are a few commonly
abused substances:
 Heroin
 Over- the –
counter meds/
prescriptions
 Alcohol

 Marijuana
 Tobacco products
 Inhalants

Health Related Symptoms
Depending on what substance is
being used these symptoms can be
different.
- Changes in sleep patterns
(less or no sleep)
- Appetite change or major
weight loss or gain
- Persistent, wheezing cough
- Depression
- Nose bleeds or persistent
runny nose
- Lack of energy
- Increased blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Mouth sores or gum disease
1 OUT OF 3 DEATHS IN THE
U.S. ARE RELATED TO DRUG
ABUSE
MAJOR LONG-TERM USE HEALTH
PROBLEMS:
- Nicotine- increases risk of
cancer, bronchial disorders, and
cardiovascular disease
- Alcohol- can damage the brain
and most body organs
- Prescription medications-
lead to addiction or in some
cases death
- Inhalants- damage heart,
kidneys, lungs, and brain
- Heroin- slows respiration;
linked to an increase in
infectious disease (HIV)
- Cocaine- severe problems to
the heart, respiratory, nervous,
and digestive systems
All these problems are subject to
change depending on how long you
use the drug.
*If you suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD,
or PTSD, you are more likely to become
addicted or abuse substances. *
If you or someone you know is
abusing or showing signs of
substance abuse, here are three
rehabilitation centers to help you
overcome this addiction.
 THE DISCOVERY HOUSE
Located: Stevensville, MD
Call: (800) 608-6210
 PATHWAYS TREATMENT
CENTER
Located: Annapolis, MD
Call: (443) 481-5400
 KENT COUNTY BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH
Located: Chestertown, MD
Call: (410) 778-6404
Drugs/alcohol are not healthy or
safe in any way. As you have
seen, there are so many health
factors involved that could ruin or
change your life drastically.