The social aspect of Greek Life is one of the many reasons that students get involved in fraternities and sororities; however, alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. Most organizations have mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, and precautions are taken at events to ensure a safe environment.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park offers a general substance-related disorders group that is open to all students. It is not a 12-step group, but rather focuses on establishing a healthier way of life, including addressing group members' substance-related problems. The group process includes the development of insight, social skills-building, and improved expression of feelings. For information on individual or group counseling, call (814) 863-0395 or visit www.sa.

Alcohol abuse is characterized by recurrent alcohol-related problems, including problems with relationships, job performance, or both; the use of alcohol in hazardous situations (e.g., while driving a car); or some combination of these (DSM IV, 1994).

Of course not, however, during the period from 1993 - 1995, the number of hospital discharges related to substance abuse addiction on Nantucket was 83, the number of individuals seeking treatment was 62, and the number attending weekly AA meetings was 23 (Indicators of Substance Abuse in Massachusetts, 1955, Mass State Needs Assessment Project, Health and Addictions Research, Inc., February 1998.

Even though many teens try alcohol or drugs, using these substances is neither safe nor legal. Some teens experiment with drugs or alcohol only a few times, but experimentation can become substance abuse and lead to serious problems, such as poor school performance, loss of friends, problems at home, and even lasting legal consequences.

Substance abuse can increase risk-taking behaviors, which can have serious consequences. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), resulting from unprotected sexual activity.

If your teen is using alcohol or drugs, you may notice changes in behavior and mood at home, in grades and attitude toward school, and in friends and leisure activities. You may also find evidence such as cigarettes or drugs in your teen's possession, chemical-soaked rags or papers in the trash, or paint or other stains on his or her clothing, hands, or face. The smell of smoke or alcohol on your teen's clothing or breath may indicate a substance abuse problem.

Teen substance abuse may be prevented through strong family connections, healthy friendships, and supportive schools and communities. Social support can help build the confidence to resist peer pressure to try drugs. Good communication and a healthy home life may prevent your teen from self-medicating with harmful and often illegal substances.

The Army Substance Abuse Program, or ASAP, is a comprehensive program that combines prevention and treatment. The program is designed to strengthen the overall fitness and effectiveness of the Army and to enhance the combat readiness of its personnel and units by eliminating alcohol and/or other drug abuse

No, but it is an excellent start. It might be helpful if you begin to think of changes in your drinking or drug taking habits as the first steps in a new, lifelong process of personal growth. I'm not suggesting that it takes a lifetime to overcome addictive behaviours. I'm suggesting that you begin to think of yourself as a unique and wonderful work in progress that will take a lifetime to complete.

Terminology and definitions of addiction differ from source to source, and individuals abuse or become dependent on everything from alcohol to prescriptions drugs. Because of this, In Bloom uses the blanket heading of "substance abuse" on this page for simplicity's sake, not as a specific medical designation or to refer to a particular medical condition.

Typically, substance abuse counseling will consist half hour sessions between the individual and their counselor at the vendor's location. The supervising Pretrial Services Officer can allocate up to four individual sessions per month for any defendant.

Substance abuse testing consists of a defendant submitting to randomly announced urine collections which are observed by employees of the vendor providing the service or by a Pretrial Services officer if the test is required during an office visit. The supervising Pretrial Services Office can allocate up to four random urine tests per month for any defendant in a substance abuse testing program.

Every attempt is made to locate a vendor near the defendant's residence or place of employment to facilitate the defendant's successful participation in their substance abuse program. Should a defendant require directions or additional information regarding their program plan and/or location, they should contact their supervising officer immediately.

Yes. Chemical dependency services are provided to patients and their families through acute and residential care. The chemical dependency staff works closely with the physician to determine the appropriate level of care needed for patients with substance abuse issues following stabilization. Interventions are primarily aimed at increasing the patient's awareness of the correlation between substance abuse and other social, interpersonal, educational, family, behavioral and mental health issues.

Substance abuse is very common. A recent survey by SAMHSA (2002) found that 19.5 million Americans age 12 and over used illegal substances in the past month. This is about 8% of that population. The most common substance was marijuana. 4% of those surveyed between the ages of 12-13 were currently using substances. Substance abuse crosses all ages, races and geographical locations.

The Guidepost has a MICA (mentally ill chemical abuser) program that is very successful in addressing these issues. Individuals will be randomly screened for substance abuse via urine and/or serum levels.

Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in socially, they like the way drugs or alcohol makes them feel, or they want to feel more grown up. Teens tend to be risk-takers, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting. Teens who are at the biggest risk for developing serious alcohol or drug problems are those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Depending on the drug of abuse, some of the educational seminars and group sessions may vary, but essentially the drug treatment as offered centers around addiction recovery, regardless of the drug of use and abuse. Every patient entering into a ChooseHelp.com rehab will undergo a comprehensive pre assessment period, and addictions professionals will design a recovery plan tailored to the needs of the individual.

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk in order to feel the effects (4). Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.

Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements: Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.

Substance abuse can lead to serious problems such as poor schoolwork, loss of friends, problems at home, and lasting legal problems. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, because of unprotected sex. Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe medical problems, such as an overdose or brain damage.