Alcohol Addiction and Substance Abuse Treatment in Austin TX
What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or unsafe use of or addiction to alcohol, drugs, and/or other mind-altering substances such as opioids that typically results in recurring negative consequences. These consequences can range from damaged relationships and poor job/academic performance to serious bodily injury as a result of drug withdrawal or legal issues.
There is no single direct cause of alcohol abuse. Many researchers and mental health professionals agree that substance abuse likely stems from a combination of hereditary, environmental, psychological, and social factors. For instance, the risk of alcoholism is generally higher in people who have family members with alcohol abuse or addiction issues, but not everyone may be affected by genetics.