An excellent article on the definition of substance abuse has been posted on the internet by Alcohol and Drug Services in Greensboro, North Carolina. It defines substance abuse as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one (or more) of the following occurring within 12 months: 1. Recurrent substance use failing to fulfill significant role obligations at work, school, or home. 2. Recurrent substance use in physically hazardous situations, i.e., driving while under the influence. 3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems. 4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance.
The opening chapter introduces the reader to the book and the course it accompanies and offers a brief overview. Substance Abuse Level One is the first of a Level I & II ADAD-approved 6–8-week Intensive Outpatient Program. This curriculum is designed to be a treatment program that is used while the client is still using alcohol and drugs. The workbooks, activities, and exercises are designed to meet clients’ learning styles dealing with active dependency.
Definition of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse involves the recurrent use of substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs), often to the point of intoxication. For the great majority, this use is continued despite the knowledge that the use of the substance is causing or exacerbating a medical, psychological, or social problem. The medical, psychological, and social problems caused or exacerbated by using the substance are pretty diverse. These range from acute intoxication, accidents, and trauma directly related to substance use (e.g., drug overdose), tolerance and substance withdrawal syndromes, diverse psychiatric disorders (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis), and the effects of substance use on the progression of medical disorders. Many individuals who have substance abuse or dependence disorders have legal problems stemming from their substance use. The definition of substance abuse is the same for all age groups.
Importance of Substance Abuse Level One
A more precise way to describe this level of care is to say that the primary goal of treatment at this level is relapse prevention. The method is educating the individual about the disease of addiction and providing them with a personalized plan to arrest their disease. This is done through teaching the individual how to apply the basic concepts of the 12-step program to their daily life, confronting and changing their irrational thinking patterns and beliefs, and learning to deal with emotional and psychological disturbances without using mood and mind-altering substances. The expected outcome of level one treatment is for the patient to abstain and maintain a 12-step recovery program at the outpatient level of care. This type of treatment would be appropriate for people who do not meet the criteria for level two or three care or those who have completed higher levels of care and stepped down to continue working on their recovery. This also can act as a step up for someone needing to move into a higher level of care if outpatient treatment does not yield the desired outcomes.