By Marcel Gemme, CEO at Addicted.orgOriginal Source: thriveglobal.comSubstance abuse is a growing problem in the U.S. Prior to the 1990s, poisoning was a rare cause of death in America, but has skyrocketed to become one of the most common causes of preventable injury and death. Opioid abuse constitutes much of the problem, but use of drugs in other categories is also on the rise. Some organizations, such as the CDC, have even labeled opioid addiction an epidemic.Whether it’s prescription painkillers, alcohol, or some other addictive substance, it’s not always easy to tell whether someone is addicted. Healthcare professionals who need to make a diagnosis have the luxury of turning to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, to determine whether someone has a substance abuse disorder.The first line of defense and best chance at prevention, however, almost always lies within a person’s immediate...click here to continue reading
