This book contains proven steps and strategies on how to recognize substance abuse and addiction. Drugs are classified as legal and illegal. Medicines, cigarettes, and alcohol are considered legal drugs. But excessive drinking and smoking by adults, and by teenagers, also poses a threat for long addiction. Medicines that are taken with or without proper prescription are detrimental as well. Illegal or prohibited drugs, like heroin and marijuana, are those that have intoxicating effects to the human body and usually produce negative behaviors when taken. The commonly abused substances include alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, heroin, steroids, inhalants, stimulants, depressants, club drugs, and prescription medications. Unfortunately, all of these drugs are being abused widely.

We cannot discount the fact that substance abuse or addiction is among the most severe socioeconomic problems we are facing today. It is a persistent problem that needs to be addressed head on. Some negative consequences of addiction are school failure, poor judgment that may pose higher risks for accidents, violence, and unproductive work output, and in some instances, suicide. Substance abuse negatively affects not only the person involved but others around them as well. Domestic violence, child abuse, and failed marriages are the most common results. Schools and communities are also negatively impacted by drug addiction, as the quality of education deteriorates, and the crime and unemployment rate rises. As a result, the nation's economic status also suffers.

Fortunately, we have various agencies and facilities that provide prevention, reduction, and treatment of illegal substance use. If you think you or someone you know have a drug abuse problem, the best thing to do is to contact the right resources to get help right away.