Is Substance Abuse Affecting Your Mental Health?

People take drugs for numerous reasons; curiosity, rebellion, peer pressure, and health reasons. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), “substance abuse disorder is a disorder involving the continued use of substances despite personal, professional, and health-related problems caused by the usage that negatively affect a person’s day-to-day life.” Drugs include alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, prescribed opioids, and more. They can affect a person physically, socially, and even mentally.

How to know if you have a substance abuse problem:

• If you keep taking medications when it is no longer needed for a health problem

• If you need more of the substance to achieve the same effect

• If you think about the substance a lot

• If you’ve lost interest in things you usually enjoy

• If it affects your work, school, or home life

Substances tend to have a good effect when used for a short time. They may have you feeling euphoric, relaxed, reduced anxiety, and even pain relief. Over time they can negatively impact the brain.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of addiction to substance abuse, you can reach out to a psychiatrist, mental health nurse practitioner, or therapist in Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, Tx area, we offer both virtual and in-person appointments. Visit and contact us at https://www.lytepsych.com.