Substance Abuse

Question: Substance abuse? What are some of the assessment tools that are used by substance abuse counselors? I am aware of the MAST test as being but one; what are some of the others?

Answer: GAD

Question: substance abuse? Can someone please tell me why substance abuse happens

Answer: There are many factors contributing to substance abuse. Genetic predisposition is one. If your parents were addicts, you are at higher risk. Chemical imbalance in the brain can cause addiction. Problems with serotonin and other neurotransmitters can make a person have an addictive personality. Peer pressure and trying to fit in with others is a contributing factor. Ethnic background or religious beliefs in the way a person is raised. Environment plays a role in addiction. Poverty is a common reason for some people to abuse substances. Life experiences can cause a person to turn to substances. Someone who has had a lot of bad problems and can't cope. Social anxiety can cause a person to abuse substances so they are more comfortable around others. There are probably more, but above are a few. Hope this helps

Question: How long does it take to become a substance abuse nurse? I was wondering how long it takes to be a substance abuse nurse. Or if you can tell me the requirements a substance abuse nurse needs. Just to clarify I want to become a nurse not a counselor. Thank you for your help.

Answer: You would need to get your BSN in nursing which would take four years and then perhaps some extra certification after that. usually an employer will specify what else is needed.

Question: How does the enabling of substance abuse addiction work? I have heard that sometimes, families can even sort of encourage the individual to continue on with his substance abuse addiction. How so? What are they doing that actually acts to the detriment of the individual?

Answer: Enabling substance abuse addiction simply means that the person tolerates the addiction of the individual. They make it easy for the patient to continue on indulging in the substance. Enabling substance abuse addiction can be manifested in a variety of ways, some of which are as follows: * making excuses for the person's behavior * doing something for the person instead of letting him do it himself * not recognizing the problem or denying its existence, therefore allowing the behavior to go on. * helping the individual fuel his substance abuse addiction by giving him money, finishing his work for him, or just plain ignoring his behavior and shortcomings. If you happen to know someone who is a substance abuse addict, then you should take care not to do the things listed above.

Question: What degree should I get to become a substance abuse counselor? Should I get a masters degree in psychology and specialize in substance abuse counseling? Should I get a masters in counseling and specialize in substance abuse counseling? Or should should I get a masters in social work?

Answer: A Masters in Social Work is the best practical degree for direct work in the field. BUT, treating people who have abused drugs(alcohol) really need a recovering addict who has been trained in treatment, as they are MASTERS in rationalization, manipulation, defense mechanisms, and it "takes one to know one!" My advice is to get into regular counseling of all problems and get a lot of experience under your belt before you try your hand with addictions! I don't mean to diminish Psychology and Counseling, as I got my MA in Guidance and Counseling and was a therapist for very troubled adolescents for 20 yrs, and loved it. But addictions are MUCH more ingrained--you're working against both psychological AND physiological forces. Good Luck!

Question: Will substance abuse throughout someone's lifetime effect the health of their children? I was wondering If a mothers and/or father's abuse of drugs and/or alcohol throughout their lifetimes can effect the health of their children? (Keeping in mind that the mother would not smoke, drink, or use drugs throughout the actual pregnancy) Will the parent's substance abuse induce psychology and emotional problems such as ADHD, depression, Bipolar disorder ect in their children. Will substance abuse effect the quality of the genetic makeup carried in the sperm and eggs somehow? Advice as well as links and statistics would be useful. Thanks.

Answer: If the mother does not use during her pregnancy then the child should be fine physically. Bipolar disorder is genetic so the use of drugs by the parents will have no effect negative or positive on the development of Bipolar. However...... parents who abuse drugs and alcohol do not make very good parents (parents who PREVIOUSLY used drugs and alcohol are a bit better). Children are neglected and often emotionally or physically abused... this can lead to the development of all sorts of disorders from personality disorders to anxiety disorders...... Bipolar and Schizophrenia are genetic so they will develop independent of home life. Any other mental health issue can be caused by environment. Addiction is also an inherited trait...... parents can pass a tendancy to be an addict to their children. Doesn't mean that the children will automatically be addicts but it means that they will be more likely to be addicts than the standard population.

Question: Does substance abuse contribute positively,in any way,to the mystics literary and musical cultures? often the biography of a great artist reveals his habit of substance abuse. Can we say substance abuse has contributed to our cultural heritage?

Answer: Yes, I'm just guessing but I think about 80% of people with an artistic bent of some kind used controlled substances.Sometimes booze and tobacco aren't enough.So I would say substance use has been a positive contribution to society as a whole.Some artists didn't even attempt to hide its use.Salvidor Dali openly admitted he found lsd to be a help,and he was always seen in the better opium dens across Europe.Again yes substance use has contributed to our culture.You say substance abuse I say substance use.Its only abuse because the government says so.If people weren't persecuted under stupid laws that turns honest citizens into criminals we'd all be better off.I guess I wandered off a little bit.

Question: How will I be able to find substance abuse treatment programs in Cleveland, Georgia? I'm doing this for a special project in school. As part of my report, I wanted to be able to include a few interviews of people who are undergoing a substance abuse treatment program. Does anybody know how I can get a hold of contact numbers of treatment centers?

Answer: It sounds like an interesting project, and I hope you do well. Look in the yellow pages. You will find a list of the addiction treatment centers in your area there. Make sure to call first to ask them if you can interview the patients. Below are links that might be helpful. Good luck!

Question: How will I find substance abuse treatment centers in Kennebunkport, Maine? I want to know more about prescription drug addiction, specially those that involve sleeping pills. For this, I want to interview some people with that kind of addiction, hence the search for substance abuse treatment centers.

Answer: I think it would be hard to get an interview with patients at substance abuse treatment centers because I've heard that they're really strict with regard to their privacy rules. You might want to settle for interviewing just the therapists and counselors. To find the treatment centers, you can use the links below. You can also call your local health services administration to get more information.

Question: I would like to find more information regarding substance abuse treatment in Sullivan, Maine. How? I want to know more about substance abuse treatment, specifically about the treatment of prescription drug addiction. I already did a research on the Internet, but I feel that the information I have found is not enough. Any suggestions?

Answer: I think you should go to substance abuse treatment centers. They'll surely be able to provide you with more information regarding treatment methods, as well as the kinds of therapies that they offer to the patients. To find the treatment centers, you can use the links below. You can also go to the local hospital and ask one of the hospital staff to give you a list of the treatment centers in your area. Good luck! I do hope that you get the information you need.

Question: How can I find substance abuse treatment centers in Elderton, Pennsylvania? I need to get more information regarding prescription drug abuse and I would like to find substance abuse treatment centers who are currently handling patients with such illness.

Answer: Well, finding substance abuse treatment centers happens to be fairly easy. I already did a search on the Internet, and I have found sites that may help you. Below are two links that you can use. You can also look through the local yellow pages or contact your local health services department to get more information. Good luck!

Question: Can you complete a court ordered substance abuse rehab program from Hawaii in Florida? In Hawaii first time DUI offenders must take a 14 hour substance abuse rehab program course. I am moving back to Florida two days after my hearing and was wondering if anyone new if it was possible to complete the program in Florida? If not I'll have to fly back to Hawaii just to take this program. To me a "rehab" program can be done anywhere.

Answer: Contact the court ( judge), that ordered it and see if they will permit it.

Question: How will I get to find substance abuse treatment centers in Coleyville, Texas? I have a friend who's been suffering from his alcohol addiction for quite some months now. He now wants to get treated and he's asking for my help. I really want to help him. Any ideas on how to find a good substance abuse treatment center?

Answer: There are lots of ways by which you can find treatment centers that your friend can get into. You can get him to a doctor and ask for recommendations. You can also use the links below or use the local phone directory to look up contact information of treatment centers. I do hope that your friend gets treated soon. Good luck!

Question: How do I get into the substance abuse counseling field? I am graduating college with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in substance abuse. I have taken counseling classes in order to complete the substance abuse minor, but I don't know what a good first step is. Anyone in the field have any good advise? From New Jersey looking to move to California to pursue this career.

Answer: Well, I have my BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) and I actually have an interview tomorrow for Substance Abuse Counselor. Generally, most private agencies are going to want you to have your master's or even licensure (LPC in your field I believe, LCSW in mine), but the ticket is going through the state. Department of Corrections is always looking for good substance abuse counselors. Here is your state's personnel site. If you visit the links provided below, it should kind of lead you in that direction. State Personnel Website - http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/ Local or State listings - http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/jobs/title_listing.htm Substance Abuse Counselor Description/Requirements -http://webapps.dop.state.nj.us/jobspec/63115.htm You will probably have to register in their state system under the jobs that you would like, and with Missouri, you are contacted by letter when job openings are available. Good luck and congratulations!

Question: How will I find substance abuse treatment centers in Westbrook, Maine? I was tasked by my professor to do a research about substance abuse, which I will present in class. I know the staff of such centers can provide me with essential facts to make my presentation OK.

Answer: You're one diligent student, huh? I really admire students like you who take their studies seriously. I do hope the links below can help you make your presentation a success. I wish you the best of luck!

Question: How to find substance abuse treatment centers in Corinth, Maine? I have to gather a lot of information regarding various cases of substance abuse. I figured it would be best if I interview some people who work at treatment centers because they'll really be able to help me.

Answer: The links below will surely get to help you in finding substance abuse treatment centers. You can also call a helpline such as 800-559-9503. Not only will the people there get to help you in finding treatment centers, they can also provide you with information regarding addiction as well. I do hope that you'll be able to get the information that you need. Good luck!