Substance Abuse Program

“Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you – and kill you the long, slow, hard way.”
Billie Holliday, jazz singer

Substance abuse is a pattern of harmful and addictive use of any substance for mood-altering purposes.

When people talk about substance abuse, they generally refer to the use of illegal drugs.  Any use of illegal drugs is considered abuse because they are addictive and can cause severe negative health effects. However, the over indulgence of legally acquired alcohol, over-the-counter medications, inhalants, solvents and cigarettes can be used to harmful excess.

People who are addicted to drugs come from many walks of life. Adolescents experimenting, neglected and abused youth, employees under pressure, people with mental health issues and those facing social problems are a few of the many segments of society who become addicted. Addiction affects not just the individual but those who surround him especially close family. It is not only harmful to their health, but also results in lost productivity, family break up, spread of diseases, crime and homelessness.

Substance abuse treatment must be tailored to the individual based on issues such as age, culture, gender, parenting, housing, employment and past history of abuse. These can include behavioral therapy such as counseling, cognitive therapy, psychotherapy or a combination. Behavioral therapies offer people strategies for coping with their drug cravings, teach them ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse. Because substance abuse is typically an addiction, a short one-time treatment may not suffice.  To prevent relapses, a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and attempts at self-discipline will be required.

Research studies show that even the most severely addicted individuals can participate actively in treatment and that active participation is essential to good outcomes.