Do I or a loved one suffer from a Substance Use Disorder?
Do I or a loved one suffer from a Substance Use Disorder?
Substance Use Disorder, previously known as substance addiction, is a chronic condition characterized by the repeated use of drugs or alcohol despite the negative consequences it causes in a person's life. Substance use disorder is considered a mental health disorder and can affect a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being.
It is normal to want to find relief and pleasure with a substance. Repeated exposure to the substance creates a strong desire to continue to achieve the same feeling of relief and pleasure. Overtime, the brain and body don’t know how to operate without the substance creating dependence.
Some common signs of substance use disorder include:
An inability to control or stop using drugs or alcohol, even when it causes problems in a person's life
Spending a lot of time obtaining or using drugs or alcohol
Developing a tolerance to the substance, which requires a person to use more to achieve the same effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back on drug or alcohol use
Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite experiencing negative physical or mental health effects, such as anxiety, depression, or liver damage
Substance use disorder can be caused by environmental and psychological factors. It can also be influenced by underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Treatment for substance use disorder often involves a combination of therapies, including behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. The goal of treatment is to understand an individual’s relationship with their substance and navigate what type of relationship they would like with it moving forward. Treatment can assist with managing withdrawal symptoms, and developing healthy coping strategies to prevent relapse. With the right treatment and support, recovery from substance use disorder is possible.