- Substance
Abuse
- Substance abuse may be the result of experimentation,
thrillseeking, attempting to avoid boredom, rebellion, a need for
peer acceptance, attempting to avoid dealing with life, and/or
attempting to ease emotional pain.
- Signs and Symptoms
- weight loss
- keeping odd hours
- neglect of basic grooming habits
- secrecy and withdrawl
- changes in choice of friends
- reduced performance at school or work
- frequent mood swings
- changes in truthfulness or honesty
- changes in goals and attitudes
- How to Help
- talk about own feelings and concerns without lecturing,
nagging, criticizing
- listen with respect and understanding
- recognize and reflect the person's strengths and positive
behaviors whenever possible
- allow the person to experience logical consequences of drug
abuse behaviors
- help to explore other methods of avoiding boredom, seeking
excitement, receiving acceptance from peers, easing emotional
pain
- if the person is dependent on a substance, accept the fact
without blame and seek help
- Sources of Help
- private physician/health care provider
- school counselor
- member of clergy
- social service agency
- Daybreak ........................................................(509)- 483-0107
- Deaconess Chemical Dependency Unit ......... (509)-458-7000
- N.A.T.I.V.E. Project ......................................... (509)-325-5502
- Spokane County Health District .....................(509)- 324-1420
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