Substance Use and Abuse
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If you think drugs won't affect your health, think again. Get the facts about the most commonly abused drugs. Learn what they are and how using drugs, even just once, can affect your body and your mind.
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/teens/drug-facts
Do you want to learn more about the risks of marijuana use?
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens/some-things-to-think-about
Alcohol and drugs affect the developing adolescent brain. Click on the link below to learn more about the brain and addiction. You can also watch a short video on “Drugs, shatter the myths”.
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/brain-and-addiction
Signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol problems:
- Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
- Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
- Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
- Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
- Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
- Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
- Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
- Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug
Below is a screening test. If you answer yes to one or more questions on the screening test it is important to speak to your physician, a mental health professional or substance abuse counselor.
CAGE-AID Substance Abuse Screening Tool
|
C |
Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking or drug use? |
Yes |
No |
|
A |
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use? |
Yes |
No |
|
G |
Have you ever felt guilty about drinking or drug use? |
Yes |
No |
|
E |
Have you ever felt you needed a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye-Opener)? |
Yes |
No |
The CAGE-AID screening tool was adapted from the CAGE alcohol assessment tool to include questions about drug use. The target population for the CAGE-AID is both adults and adolescents and can be administered by patient interview or self-report. These tools are not used to diagnose diseases, but only to indicate whether a problem might exist.
When thinking about drug use, include illegal drug use and the use of prescription drugs other than as prescribed.
Scoring
A "yes" answer to one item indicates a possible substance use disorder and a need for further testing.
Alcohol and drug abuse and addiction are treatable. Treatment and support are available.
For help and hope 24/7, call 1-877-8-HOPENY or
text HOPENY. Toll-free and confidential.
