Understanding Substance Abuse

It can be difficult to understand why someone you love or care about won’t stop using a substance that is hurting them or the people close to them. This substance could be alcohol, any one or combination of drugs, or even cigarettes.  

While it may be hard to understand, addiction to a substance is not the same as a bad habit. It’s not something that someone can always choose to just stop. Substance use can change the way that the brain functions – which makes it even more difficult to stop, even when the individual wants to.

If you or someone in your life is experiencing an addiction, here are some resources that may help shape the way you think about substance use.

Resources