Substance abuse is a problem that can affect anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status or sex. If you are struggling with substance abuse issues, you are not alone. More and more Americans fall victim to it on a daily basis. In fact, addiction is such a big problem that it has been labeled a National Health Emergency. However, with the right substance abuse education and treatment in Atlanta, you or your loved one can overcome addiction.

The Importance of Substance Abuse Education

Atlanta is a city with a population consisting of people from various walks of life. However, there is a club and drug culture that is notorious for leading so many young men and women in the wrong direction. Many young people who experiment with drugs do it without knowing any better. Nobody actually sets out in life to become an addict. It’s mostly a condition that occurs because of a lack of education about the drugs, risks, and addiction itself.

Parents can help with the education of their children concerning addiction. They can take advantage of services that can teach them the correct ways to tell their children about the risks of drugs and alcohol. There are ways of doing this that will make children more receptive to information and warnings about the risks of drugs. There are also many adults who can benefit from learning about the pitfalls of drug abuse. If people really understood what the dangers of drugs and alcohol were, they might not be so tempted to try them.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Sometimes, it’s not so easy to see your children as having problems with substance abuse or to self-identify as a person with a substance abuse problem. Nonetheless, there are certain physical signs and symptoms that give a clear warning:

• Sweating and fever
• Pronounced anxiety
• Lack of coordination
• Rapid heartbeats
• Dilated pupils
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia

How We Help

If you or a loved one is having trouble with substance abuse, we can help you. What makes us different from many other treatment centers is the attention we pay to mental issues associated with addiction. Our multi-pronged method of treatment addresses emotional and psychological issues associated with addiction.

If you are interested in substance abuse education and/or treatment in Atlanta, the professionals at Southside Medical Center are here to help. We can set you on a path to sobriety and a better way of life. Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our many offices in Atlanta.

Addiction is tough. It can happen to the best of us. No matter our socioeconomic background, our education or our relationships, some of us are genetically predisposed to addiction. Substance abuse does not have to rule your life. With support and education, you can take your life back into your own hands. At Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, we are committed to helping people lead addiction-free, healthy, happy lives. Substance abuse education in Atlanta is of extreme importance to both people struggling with addiction and their loved ones. You are not alone.

The Importance of Substance Abuse Education

Substance abuse education in Atlanta and elsewhere is important to all segments of the population. It is best to start early. Parents can take classes to learn how to teach their children common misconceptions about legal and illegal substances such as alcohol and marijuana. If they are educated, they may not be curious enough to try it. Many high schools incorporate this education into their curriculum, teaching adolescents about the risks of experimenting with substances. It is a lot easier to prevent addiction than it is to treat it. Education is also beneficial to adults who suffer from substance abuse.

What Makes Someone an Addict?

No one factor makes someone an addict, and anyone can become one. Factors include a history of physical or emotional abuse, mental health, parents’ substance abuse, education level, socioeconomic status, education and parents’ socioeconomic status. Researchers have conducted scientific studies for decades, and currently, the two most hotly debated factors affecting substance abuse are socioeconomic status and education.

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

Sometimes it’s difficult to self-identify as an individual with substance abuse issues. How do you identify a loved one as suffering from substance abuse so you can get them substance abuse education in Atlanta? Physical signs can include:

• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Slowed reaction time
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating
• Anxiety
• Chills and sweating
• Involuntary shaking
• Decreased coordination
• Dilated pupils
• Increased pulse and blood pressure

Behavioral signs can include:

• Lack of interest in self-care such as clean clothes and grooming
• Suddenly asking for money without a reasonable explanation
• Borrowing or stealing from family and friends
• Frequent absences from work or school
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Being secretive about whereabouts, activities and financial decisions
• A decrease in quality at work or school
• Sudden weight gain or loss

Substance abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of your education, financial status or any other factors. Fortunately, with education and the support of your friends, family, and community, you can take back control of your life. Make an appointment at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta for more information regarding substance abuse education. Contact us today for a consultation.