"Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the use of a drug in amounts or by methods that are harmful to the individual or others."
An analysis of substance abuse and addiction as they relate to criminal behavior. This includes a review of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
Definition and types of Substance Abuse: Understanding the various types of substances that are abused and their effects on the individuals who consume them.
Epidemiology of substance abuse: Understanding the prevalence of substance abuse, the age range of those most affected, and the geographical locations.
Causes of Substance Abuse: Understanding the various factors that increase the likelihood of an individual engaging in substance abuse.
Prevention Strategies: Understanding different prevention strategies that can be employed to prevent substance abuse.
Treatment and Recovery: Understanding the treatment process for substance abuse and how to identify the most effective methods for treating the patient.
Role of Criminal Justice Social Work: Understanding the role of criminal just social work in preventing and addressing substance abuse.
The impact of substance abuse on crime: Understanding how substance abuse is linked to criminal activity and the impact it has on the criminal justice system.
Screening and Assessment: Understanding the methods of identifying substance abuse problems, including screening and assessment techniques.
Pharmacology of substance abuse: Understanding the effects and risks of different types of drugs and their consequences.
Harm Reduction: Understanding the principles and methods of harm reduction in addressing substance abuse problems.
Cultural Competence: Understanding cultural perspectives on substance abuse and the need to demonstrate cultural competence in dealing with substance abuse problems in different communities.
Co-occurring disorders: Understanding the relationship between substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Motivational Interviewing: Understanding the principles and methods of motivational interviewing in support of substance abuse treatment and recovery.
Relapse Prevention: Understanding the contributing factors to relapse, recognizing the warning signs, and how to develop strategies to avoid relapse.
Family Interventions: Understanding the importance of involving family members in the treatment and prevention of substance abuse.
Alcohol abuse: Excessive drinking leading to physical and mental health problems and often results in addiction.
Drug abuse: Using illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine which can lead to addiction, and physical and mental health problems.
Prescription drug abuse: Intentional misuse of prescription drugs that are typically used for medical purposes but abused for recreational purposes.
Nicotine addiction: Addiction to tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or vaping.
Cannabis abuse: Excessive consumption of marijuana or other cannabis products leading to addiction and physical and mental health problems.
Inhalant abuse: Inhaling volatile substances such as aerosols, solvents, and fuels for intoxicating effects.
Designer drug abuse: Recreational use of synthetic drugs such as bath salts, Spice or K2, which mimic the effects of illegal drugs.
Club drugs abuse: Using drugs such as ecstasy, ketamine or GHB for recreational purposes typically in social settings such as clubs or parties.
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) abuse: Using substances such as hormones or steroids for enhancing performance in sports or physical activities.
Polydrug abuse: Mixing two or more drugs to increase their effect or to mitigate side effects, which can lead to serious health problems and addiction.
"Drugs most often associated with this term include: alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, methaqualone, and opioids."
"Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical, and criminal justice contexts."
"In some cases, criminal or anti-social behavior occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug."
"Long-term personality changes in individuals may also occur."
"In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, the use of some drugs may also lead to criminal penalties, although these vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction."
"There are two predominant theories: either a genetic predisposition or a habit learned from others, which, if addiction develops, manifests itself as a chronic debilitating disease."
"In 2010, about 5% of people (230 million) used an illicit substance."
"Of these, 27 million have high-risk drug use—otherwise known as recurrent drug use—causing harm to their health, causing psychological problems, and or causing social problems that put them at risk of those dangers."
"In 2015, substance use disorders resulted in 307,400 deaths."
"The highest numbers are from alcohol use disorders at 137,500 deaths."
"Opioid use disorders at 122,100 deaths."
"Amphetamine use disorders at 12,200 deaths."
"Cocaine use disorders at 11,100."
"There is no known psychedelic, one of the three categories of hallucinogens, that has been found to have any addictive potential."
"Possible physical, social, and psychological harm."
"The use of some drugs may cause possible physical, social, and psychological harm."
"Criminal penalties for drug use vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction."
"Substance use disorders resulted in 165,000 deaths in 1990" (previous number).
"A genetic predisposition or a habit learned from others."