A person dependent upon caffeine may need coffee each morning in order to feel awake and ready for the day. While this is an un-healthful habit, it is not likely to cause a person to have difficulty fulfilling his or her other obligations in life, such as work and relationships with family and friends. However, a person who is abusing illegal drugs may not be able to do so without disrupting other parts of his or her life. He or she might have to stop working because of the effects of the drug. Relationships with family and friends can become very strained as a person spends more and more time and energy getting the drugs and experiencing their effects.
Substance abuse is a form of addictive behavior.
For more information on addictive behavior and drug abuse, please listen to the recordings on those topics in the substance abuse section of your AudioHealth Library Directory. There are steps you can take to prevent substance abuse. The best way to prevent children from becoming substance abusers is to not practice substance abuse yourself. If you are abusing substances and want to stop, you may find help by contacting one of the many self-help groups available, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, a smoking cessation program, or you may be able to find help through a confidential program offered by your health plan or your employer. Take steps to stop substance abuse as soon as possible so you can have the best chance of leading a long and healthy lifestyle.