Individuals who abuse substances typically use the Summer House more than non-substance-abusing individuals for both acute and chronic problems. It is estimated that one third of all clients have alcohol-related illnesses. The elderly, women, minorities, and dual-diagnosis clients (having concurrent psychiatric disorder and substance dependence) are predicted to be at a higher risk for substance abuse and related health problems.

     Patterns of Substance use and Abuse:

    There are various patterns of substance use and abuse, including a tendency among substance abusers to take a variety of drugs simultaneously or in a sequence to obtain specific effects. Patterns of use generally fall along a continuum ranging from experimental to compulsive use. Although an individual may move back and forth among patterns, compulsive use is indicative of addiction, and only abstinence or a drug-free status can break this pattern.

    Risk Factors Associated with Substance Abuse

    Although numerous studies have focused on the problem of substance abuse, the cause (or causes) remains unknown or unclear. Substance abuse is a multidimensional phenomenon with a multifactorial etiology. However a variety of factors can increase an individual's vulnerability or risk for developing problems of substance abuse.