Substance abuse in modern society is not simply defined by the abuse of
illegal drugs. Substance abuse is characterized by a habitual pattern of abuse
including that of drugs, alcohol and prescription pills. The epidemic is wide
spread and crosses all the borders of age, sex, race and class.

The use of
drugs and alcohol in this way is usually for the purposes of altering state of
mind; however, this is not necessarily the case with all substance abuse.

There is a visible and definable drug culture in our society that portrays
illegal drug use in recreational sense. Many drugs are used recreationally and
may not lead to an addiction or abuse of the drug.

However, they are all
illegal because of their destructive and addictive qualities that not only
affect the user but also have a great impact on wider society. Many argue that
any use of illegal substances is abuse. It is hard to distinguish where the use
of drugs becomes excessive and therefore abusive.

Commonly used drugs include:

· Caffeine
· Alcohol
· Nicotine
· Marijuana
· Ecstasy
· Cocaine
· Heroin
· LSD
· Ketamine
· Methamphetamines

For serious substance abusers and their families, the effects of these drugs can
be devastating and often fatal. The nature of addiction is such that users
become extremely determined and desperate when it comes to procuring drugs or
alcohol.

The need to use can lead to lying, stealing, violence and criminal
behavior. The use of these drugs can also lead to severe physical and mental
health problems often to the point of death. Drug and alcohol treatment comes in
many forms and rehabilitation is a life long endeavor.

The consumption of
alcohol at every level in society makes it one of the most dangerous and hard to
treat addictions in the world. Social drinking is not only accepted but is
embraced by society. Alcoholism can be an everyday addiction or a binge-drinking
problem.

So, when does a social drink become an addiction and how do we as a
society combats the effects?

For alcoholics, treatment can be conducted
in several ways. Alcohol treatment will often try to deal with the reasons
behind the addiction as well as the physical and psychological need.

Treatment can be based within an alcohol treatment center where professionals
assist the rehabilitation process. The most common form of treatment comes in
the form of a support network. These begin with group meetings and cover the
whole spectrum of the problem through focused discussion and by putting in place
plans and programs for recovery.

Drug rehab is firstly about dealing with the physical addiction. This process may require medical assistance, as the physical effects of detoxification are extremely hard on the body. Withdrawals are common in drug rehab and range from cold sweats, cramping, vomiting, hallucinations and mood swings as well as extreme physical pain.