What is Substance Use Disorder?

- 5 sections

Medically Verified: November 12, 2024

healthcare
Medically Reviewed

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

What is Substance Use Disorder

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a condition that involves abusing illicit, legal, or prescription substances. SUD is a complex condition that involves the body, mind, behaviors, and other factors.

Research from 2022 showed that about 48.7 million people in the United States aged 12 and older had SUD. Of these, about 29.5 million people misused alcohol, and 27.2 misused prescription or illicit drugs.

Overcoming alcohol or drug addiction typically requires comprehensive treatment and continuing support. It is essential to get treatment for substance use disorder as soon as you recognize the signs of SUD. Without treatment, SUD will likely get worse. Untreated substance use disorder can quickly spiral into a life-threatening condition.

This article will explore what substance use disorder is and how to treat it. You will learn:

  • The symptoms of SUD
  • Risk factors for substance abuse and addiction
  • What to expect from SUD treatment
  • Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love lives with SUD, you are not alone. Reach out to The Living Room specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a term that includes misusing addictive substances or an addiction to them. People may develop physical dependence and addiction after misusing an addictive substance, like drugs or alcohol, for some time. 

People may begin misusing drugs or alcohol for many reasons. Some may be curious about the substance’s effects, want to fit in with peers, or want relief from mental or physical pain. After misusing addictive substances, people may develop physical dependence on them. This means that their body cannot function without the substance. 

Mental health professionals diagnose substance use disorder (SUD) using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The criteria for SUD diagnosis include:

  • Developing tolerance (needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects)
  • Using substance compulsively (losing control of when or how much you use)
  • Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using a substance
  • Neglecting your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use
  • Continuing to use drugs and alcohol, even when it causes significant problems

People who develop physical dependence on drugs or alcohol cannot simply choose to stop using them. In most cases, people require treatment and ongoing support to stop.

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder

Anyone who misuses an addictive substance can develop SUD. Using illicit drugs, like cocaine or heroin, can increase the risk of SUD. Misusing prescription drugs by taking larger doses, ingesting them differently, or using them for a longer period than prescribed can also lead to addiction. Drinking heavily for long periods may result in alcohol use disorder (AUD)

There are other risk factors that increase the likelihood someone will develop SUD. These include:

  • Having mental health problems
  • Having close family members with substance use disorder
  • Using drugs or alcohol at an early age
  • Living in an environment with higher levels of substance use

People with SUD can experience serious, long-term mental and physical health conditions. Untreated SUD can result in worsening mental health symptoms, legal problems, and life-altering financial problems. It can also lead to a lethal overdose or other life-threatening complications. 

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

An addiction means losing control over your substance use. People with physical dependence or addiction typically cannot choose to stop using these substances on their own. Their bodies depend on the substances. 

The symptoms of substance use disorder vary from person to person. They may include::

  • Using larger doses of a substance, using it more often, or using it longer than you intended
  • Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using the substance
  • Doing dangerous things while using drugs or alcohol, such as driving under the influence
  • Experiencing changes in your appetite that lead to quick weight loss or gain
  • Doing dishonest, sneaky, or illegal things to get more of a substance
  • Isolating

Addiction often causes significant changes in the way a person thinks, acts, and appears. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of addiction so that you can start working toward long-term recovery. 

Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

Treating mental health and substance use disorders requires specialized treatment. Most SUD treatment plans include evidence-based therapies that can address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction.

Substance use disorder treatment may include:

  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Mental health support
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Medication management
  • Support groups
  • Individual counseling
  • Family therapy
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Holistic therapies, including mindfulness, recreational activities, art therapy, and more
  • Aftercare planning and support

Comprehensive treatment programs can help people with SUD begin their recovery journey on the right foot. Then, people must stay engaged in their recovery by following a relapse prevention plan. 

Find SUD Treatment and Support Now

If you or someone you love lives with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Find the comprehensive treatment and support you need at The Living Room. Contact our intake team now to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

  1. American Psychiatric Association (APA): Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Substance Use Disorder
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data

Start a Conversation

More than anybody, we understand that reaching out for help can be difficult. If you have any questions about our programs, services or the recovery process itself; please connect with us now. We are here to provide guidance and support… every step of the way.

15585

Send Us a Message

We're Here To Help!

15987
Scroll to Top

PHONE

EMAIL

ADDRESS

SOCIAL

PHONE

EMAIL

ADDRESS

SOCIAL