Substance abuse rehab and substance abuse treatment are critical to those who want to live substance ‘free.’ Controlled substance abuse refers to inappropriate consumption of controlled substances/drugs. Controlled substances include scheduled drugs, per the Controlled Substances Act, part of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. It is estimated that in the year 2000, over 43% of the U.S. emergency room overdose patients had overdosed on prescription drugs and abuse is on the rise, which should be cause for great social concern.

Illegal substance abuse refers to the consumption, possession, manufacturing and distribution of illegal substances/drugs. Illegal substances include any number of drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, etc. Commonly abused illegal substances include marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, LSD, Ecstasy, and a multitude of others.

Alcohol abuse refers to the ingestion of alcohol, either episodically or chronically, to the point that the normal physiological and/or psychological functioning of the abuser is impaired.

Effects Of Substance Abuse

Severe physiological and psychological effects occur as a result of substance abuse. These effects are extremely broad in scope and intensity, some of which can result in death. Many severe symptoms of substance abuse include respiratory depression/arrest, loss of consciousness, coma and even death. Less severe side effects include lowered heart rate, shallow respiration, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and pupil constriction, itching, and rash, among many others.

Psychological side effects include impaired judgment, confusion, euphoria, somnolence, and addiction.

Withdrawal

Common withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse includes sweating, malaise, anxiety, depression, insomnia, vomiting diarrhea, goose bumps, ‘itchy blood,’ muscle spasms, muscle/body aches, etc. Substance abuse detoxification without medication or preparation, called ‘cold turkey, is much more likely to result in these negative withdrawal symptoms in a much more pronounced manner. See below for further withdrawal information.

Substance Abuse Detoxification and Substance Abuse Rehab

Substance abuse detoxification is critical, prior to commencing substance abuse rehab and substance abuse treatment. Although detoxification itself is not a treatment for addiction and abuse, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being substance free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for substance abuse rehab and substance abuse treatment. Long-term substance abuse should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

At Miramar Drug Rehab Program women are provided physician assisted and monitored detoxification, as well as comprehensive substance abuse treatment for woman in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach in Southern California.

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP, call toll free (800) 455-1092 to speak with one of our counselors.