Substance use and abuse is not something to fool around with. Too often, what starts out as "partying" or "being social" develops into an addiction. Our society encourages drinking alcohol and using "mild" substances to enhance your social life. Rather than enhancing your life, you are damaging it. To find out more about how substances affect your body, click here.

Other reasons for using substances may have to do with coping. There may be trauma or unresolved grief a person is avoiding. Using a controlled substance initially provides a welcome respite from having to deal with difficult issues. However, it is a temporary and poor solution that also brings with it some devastating consequences.

Often by the time someone realizes their using is out of control, they have already experienced some significant problems. Unfortunately, denial plays a huge role in keeping the addict from admitting he has a problem. Family and friends are often frustrated and worn out by the time someone seeks help.

Addiction is characterized by the inability to stop using the substance in spite of repeated negative social and/or legal consequences. Some people switch substances and think by doing so, they control their use. Eventually, the new substance proves to be a poor method of overcoming the original addiction.

Recovery is a life-long process that include serious lifestyle changes. Recovery programs provide the accountability and support needed to maintain abstinence. Being involved in a 12-Step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous is usually necessary for lasting recovery. There are also Christian-based recovery groups as well. For residential treatment centers in the southern California area, click here.