What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD), formerly known as drug addiction, is a mental health condition where you experience a problematic pattern of substance use that affects your health and quality of life.

Substances change how your brain functions over time. They release dopamine, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel good — until the substance wears off. Your brain and body want to continue this good feeling, even if it’s unhealthy. It can significantly impact your emotional well-being, relationships, education and career. And in many cases, it’s life-threatening.

SUD exists on a spectrum and may be mild, moderate or severe. No matter where you are, know that this condition is treatable and help is available when you’re ready.

What are the types of substance use disorder?

Some of the most common types include:

• Alcohol use disorder.
• Cocaine use disorder.
• Cannabis use disorder.
• Tobacco use disorder.
• Methamphetamine use disorder.
• Opioid use disorder.

It’s common to have more than one SUD at a time, like alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder. This is known as a polysubstance use disorder.

What is the most common type of substance use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is the most common type of SUD in the U.S.

What are the symptoms of substance use disorder?

The symptoms and effects of substance use disorder vary based on the type of substance you use. There are two groups of symptoms based on when or if the substance is in your body. These include:

• Intoxication: This is the immediate and short-term effect of a substance in your body. Symptoms include feeling sleepy, calm, excited, intense emotions, etc. The substance can also affect your judgment and decision-making or physical and mental functioning.
• Withdrawal: These are symptoms that happen when the short-term effects of a substance wear off and the substance starts to leave your body. Symptoms are unpleasant and could include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, difficulty sleeping, muscle cramping and mood changes.

What are the signs of a substance use disorder?

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the signs of substance use disorder include:

• Taking the substance in larger amounts and for a longer amount of time than you’re meant to if it’s a prescription.
• Having a strong desire or urge to use the substance.
• Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or manage substance use.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using the substance or recovering from its effects.
• Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school or home due to substance use.
• Continuing to use the substance, even when it causes problems in relationships.
• Giving up social, occupational or recreational activities because of substance use.
• Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
• Continuing substance use despite an ongoing physical or psychological problem that’s likely caused or worsened by the substance.
• Developing tolerance (need for increased amounts to get the same effect).
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

Seeking medical care as soon as you have signs of substance use disorder is essential.

How is substance use disorder treated?

The first step of substance use disorder treatment is withdrawal management. This is where you stop taking the substance, allowing it to leave your body. Depending on the severity, a healthcare provider may offer medications to lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms, as they can be rough physically and mentally.

After detox, you may continue a course of treatment with therapy.

SUD treatment is highly individualized. You might need different types of treatment at different times during your recovery. Several types of treatment settings, including inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as short-term care and long-term therapeutic communities, are available.