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Substance Abuse


People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons. Abused substances produce some form of intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention or physical control.

Many substances can bring on withdrawal (an effect caused by cessation or reduction in the amount of the substance used.)  Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety to seizures and hallucinations. Drug overdose may also cause death. And, nearly all  can produce a phenomenon known as tolerance where you must use a larger amount of the drug to produce the same level of intoxication.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Friends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment. Signs to watch for include the following:

  • Giving up past activities such as sports, homework or hanging out with new friends
  • Declining grades
  • Aggressiveness and irritability
  • Forgetfulness
  • Disappearing money or valuables
  • Feeling rundown, hopeless, depressed or even suicidal
  • Sounding selfish and not caring about others
  • Use of room deodorizers and incense
  • Paraphernalia such as baggies, small boxes, pipes and rolling paper
  • Getting drunk or high on drugs on a regular basis
  • Lying, particularly about how much alcohol or other drugs he or she is using
  • Avoiding friends or family in order to get drunk or high
  • Planning drinking in advance, hiding alcohol, drinking or using other drugs alone
  • Having to drink more to get the same high
  • Believing that in order to have fun you need to drink or use other drugs
  • Frequent hangovers
  • Pressuring others to drink or use other drugs
  • Taking risks, including sexual risks
  • Having "blackouts" (forgetting what he or she did the night before)
  • Constantly talking about drinking or using other drugs
  • Getting in trouble with the law
  • Drinking and driving
  • Suspension from school or work for an alcohol or drug-related incident

Getting Care
TRICARE covers wide range of treatment options for substance abuse. 

Your rules for obtaining care may differ depending on who you are and which health plan option you are using. Learn more about getting mental/behavioral health care. 

Last Modified:June 20, 2012