Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse

Q: What is Substance Abuse?

A: Substance Abuse is the use of a chemical substance which results in an individual’s physical, emotional or social impairment. It is characterized by an inability to stop the use of the drug and compulsive behavior.

Q: What is physical dependence?

A: Dependence refers to an altered physiological state produced by repeated intake of drugs so that upon discontinuing of use of the drug, a person experiences physical withdrawal symptoms.

Q: What is psychological dependence?

A: Psychological dependence occurs when the person taking the drug perceives that the effects associated with the use of the drug are necessary to maintain their well being.

Q: What is withdrawal?

A: Withdrawal is the development of negative physical and or psychological symptoms upon decreased or discontinued use of a drug.

Q: What are some of the warning signs that a family member or friend is using drugs or drinking too much?

A: If a family member or friend exhibits one or more of the following he or she may have a substance abuse problem:

Getting high or drunk on a regular basis
Lying about the drug use or drinking
Avoiding people and situations in order to get
high or drunk
Giving up activities they once enjoyed in order
to use drugs or drink
Sudden mood swings, irritability, depression.
Decreased functioning in school, work, family
or relationship problems

Q: How can I tell if I have a problem with drugs or alcohol?

A: You may have a problem with drugs or alcohol if:

You crave alcohol or drugs at a particular time of the day
You believe that in order to have fun you need to use
drugs or get drunk
You begin to use drugs or alcohol alone
You need to drink more or use more/stronger drugs to get
the same effect you did before
You promise to quit but cannot
You begin to have trouble in school, work, or at home
because of drinking or using drugs
You feel alone, angry, hopeless, or depressed



	Community Organization for Parents and Youth, Inc. Home Page COPAY Services Latino Family Resource Program Message from the Executive Director Substance Abuse Facts Frequently Asked Questions Links Contact COPAY COPAY breaks the cycle of addiction and heals the whole family. Professional Services in English & Spanish COPAY is licensed by: New York State Department of Mental Hygiene Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services COPAY is supported, in part, and is a member of the Great Neck United Community Fund, United Way of Long Island and The Hispanic Federation. Culturally Competent Family Treatment, Youth Prevention and Leadership Development	Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse Q: What is Substance Abuse? A: Substance Abuse is the use of a chemical substance which results in an individual’s physical, emotional or social impairment. It is characterized by an inability to stop the use of the drug and compulsive behavior. Q: What is physical dependence? A: Dependence refers to an altered physiological state produced by repeated intake of drugs so that upon discontinuing of use of the drug, a person experiences physical withdrawal symptoms. Q: What is psychological dependence? A: Psychological dependence occurs when the person taking the drug perceives that the effects associated with the use of the drug are necessary to maintain their well being. Q: What is withdrawal? A: Withdrawal is the development of negative physical and or psychological symptoms upon decreased or discontinued use of a drug. Q: What are some of the warning signs that a family member or friend is using drugs or drinking too much? A: If a family member or friend exhibits one or more of the following he or she may have a substance abuse problem: Getting high or drunk on a regular basis Lying about the drug use or drinking Avoiding people and situations in order to get high or drunk Giving up activities they once enjoyed in order to use drugs or drink Sudden mood swings, irritability, depression. Decreased functioning in school, work, family or relationship problems Q: How can I tell if I have a problem with drugs or alcohol? A: You may have a problem with drugs or alcohol if: You crave alcohol or drugs at a particular time of the day You believe that in order to have fun you need to use drugs or get drunk You begin to use drugs or alcohol alone You need to drink more or use more/stronger drugs to get the same effect you did before You promise to quit but cannot You begin to have trouble in school, work, or at home because of drinking or using drugs You feel alone, angry, hopeless, or depressed Community Organization for Parents and Youth, Inc. 21 North Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY 11021 Phone: 516.466.2509 \| Fax: 516.482.3146
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