About Substance Abuse

Approximately 48 million people in the United States struggle with substance abuse. Many also suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition. The expert medical team at Ripley Behavioral Health in Ripley, Tennessee, specializes in the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is when you start using drugs or alcohol in a way that harms your health, your relationships, and your daily life. It goes beyond just occasional use or getting drunk. If regular use affects your work, education, loved ones and friends, or even your own mental and physical health, that’s when it’s a problem and is considered abuse. It might feel like you can’t control the urge to use, or you might find yourself needing more of the drug or alcohol to feel the same effects. Over time, it can lead to dependence, which means your body starts relying on the substance just to feel normal. Some telltale signs of substance abuse include:
Unexplained behavior changes
Secretiveness
Lying
Financial problems
Mood swings

You or your loved one may stop caring about appearance, or begin to neglect responsibilities.

To reclaim your quality of life or to help a loved one with addiction, call now or request a confidential appointment online.