What is a Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense focus--sometimes called an addiction--on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, to the point where their ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems.
Repeated substance use can cause changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate intoxication wears off. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, euphoria, and calm that is caused by the substance; these symptoms are different for each substance. With continued use of a substance, tolerance can develop, where someone may require larger amounts in order to fell these effects. Additionally, discontinuing use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal and intense cravings to return to use, often experienced as anxiety.
People with a substance use disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Changes in the brain's structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.
SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) works to improve substance abuse and mental health treatment services to those who are most in need of them.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
You can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
What is Addiction?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including:
- To feel good — feeling of pleasure, “high” or "intoxication."
- To feel better — relieve stress, forget problems, or feel numb.
- To do better — improve performance or thinking.
- Curiosity and peer pressure or experimenting.
People with substance use and behavioral addictions may be aware of their problem but not be able to stop even if they want and try to. The addiction may cause physical and psychological problems as well as interpersonal problems such as with family members and friends or at work.
People can develop an addiction to:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
- Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
- Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
- Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics
- Stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamine-type substances, and other stimulants
- Tobacco, nicotine
How Is Substance Use Disorder Treated?
Effective treatments for substance use disorders are available.
The first step is recognition of the problem. The recovery process can be delayed when a person lacks awareness of problematic substance use. Although interventions by concerned friends and family often prompt treatment, self-referrals are always welcome and encouraged.
A medical professional should conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to identify if a substance use disorder is present. All patients can benefit from treatment, regardless of whether the disorder is mild, moderate, or severe. Unfortunately, many people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder and could benefit from treatment don’t receive help.
Because SUDs affect many aspects of a person’s life, multiple types of treatment are often required. For most, a combination of medication and individual or group therapy is most effective. Treatment approaches that address an individual’s specific situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems are optimal for sustained recovery.
Medications are used to control cravings, relieve symptoms of withdrawal, and to prevent relapses. Psychotherapy can help individuals with SUD better understand their behavior and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stress, and address other psychiatric problems.
A person's recovery plan is unique to the person's specific needs and may include strategies outside of formal treatment. These may include:
- Hospitalization or outpatient guidance for medical withdrawal management (detoxification).
- Therapeutic communities (highly controlled, drug-free environments) or sober houses.
- Outpatient medication management and psychotherapy.
- Intensive outpatient programs.
- Residential treatment ("rehab") (Drug Rehab Centers in Tucson, Arizona)
- Mutual-aid groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery).
- Self-help groups that include family members (Al-Anon & Alateen, or Nar-Anon & Narateen Family Groups).