Is This You or Someone You Know?

The use of alcohol and other drugs is a normal part of most cultures, both in ceremony and as part of everyday social interaction. Many people use alcohol and drugs without developing physical or psychological symptoms. Those who abuse substances may also have underlying mental or physical problems. Substance abuse is continued use that has negative consequences, but without necessarily losing control over the use.

Substance dependence is the loss of control over the use of the substance – which dominates the persons’ life so that their social, work, or psychological functioning is impaired as a result. Dependence can be both physical and psychological. Many people also continue to abuse alcohol and drugs to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal.

Substance tolerance means that increased amounts of the drug are needed to produce the same affect.
Drug or alcohol addiction symptoms and the need for rehab

Substance dependence or addiction is identified when someone is distressed, has impaired behaviour, and 3 or more of the following factors are present over a one month period.

* Tolerance of the substance, defined by either needing more of the substance or resulting in a reduced effect while using the same amount
* Symptoms of withdrawal or when the substance is taken to avoid withdrawal
* The substance is taken in larger amounts or for longer than is intended
* There is a desire to cut down or control the intake of the substance
* A large amount of time is spent on activities associated with acquiring the substance, using it, or recovering from its side effects
* The user withdraws from other activities because of its side effects
* The user knows they have a physical or psychological problem caused or exacerbated by addiction, but still continues to use

The factors that cause addiction and dependency are many. Some people have a genetic tendency to addiction . For example, children of alcoholics are four times more likely to develop problems with alcohol abuse even when raised apart from their drinking parents.

The psychological factors of addiction can include using substances to ‘get high’ or to help cope with physical or emotional pain such as depression and anxiety, or to avoid conflict.

The effects of addiction can include loss of friends and relationship problems, loss of work, being unreliable or unable to work, unemployment, loss of income, neglecting children and legal problems.

In taking a multimodel approach, the Breathing Space Programme aims to work with both the immediate and underlying issues that have resulted in dependency. When a client leaves Breathing Space they will be supported by our structured, 12 week aftercare programme to ensure that they can successfully move forward with their life.