SPECIALTY AREAS: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE
Substance abuse and substance dependence.
When people use alcohol or other drugs to a point where they need more of the drug to bring
about its' desired effect (tolerance), experience physical or psychological withdrawal
symptoms without the substance, have significant problems at work, school, with family or
with the law related to their substance use, and choose substances over friendships and
family relationships, they are not using substances, they are abusing them.
When people continually uses drugs and alcohol despite persistent negative consequences,
spend increased amounts of time in activities required to attain the substance, are
unsuccessful in their efforts to decrease use, withdraw from social and recreational activities,
and continue to use the substance despite the awareness of serious physical and
psychological consequences, they are known to be substance dependent, or addicted.
Substance abuse and substance dependence require proper treatment. Depending on the
substance abused, detoxification with medical supervision may be required, and intensive
inpatient treatment programs can be very effective. As the individual learns to manage their
disorder through long-term follow-up, formal group meetings and appropriate social support
systems, individual and family psychotherapy can help address the developmental,
psychosocial, and family issues that have surrounded and resulted from the development of a
substance abuse disorder.
DR. ART BOWLER
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NYC PSYCHOLOGIST