Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance Use Disorder, often called addiction or substance dependence, is a lasting but treatable condition that changes brain chemistry and behavior. It can make it hard to control the use of certain substances, even when it causes serious problems. In 2022, about 50 million people aged 12 and older experienced SUD. This condition can touch every area of life—from personal relationships and job performance to physical health.
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists ten substance categories linked to SUD:
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens (e.g., PCP, DXM, MDMA)
- Inhalants (e.g., solvents, aerosols, nitrates)
- Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers)
- Relaxants, sedative-hypnotics, or tranquilizers (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
- Stimulants (like cocaine, methamphetamine, ADHD medications)
- Nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
- Alternative Compounds (e.g., kratom, synthetic cannabinoids, designer drugs)
- Other/Unknown Substances
Many people use more than one substance, which can result in multiple SUD diagnoses.
What Leads to Substance Use Disorder
Several factors can increase the risk of developing SUD:
- Using substances to cope with stress, trauma, chronic pain, or coexisting mental health issues
- Experimenting in adolescence out of curiosity or a desire to fit in
- Unintentional misuse of prescription medications
- Taking substances for perceived performance or appearance benefits without medical guidance
Recognizing SUD
Signs in Yourself:
- Persistent cravings for a substance
- Constant thoughts about obtaining or using it
- Needing higher doses to reach the same effect
- Daily or very frequent use
- Repeated failed attempts to quit or cut back
- Withdrawal symptoms when use stops
Signs in Someone Else:
- Sudden mood swings or increased irritability
- Withdrawing from family or long-time friends
- Unexplained financial difficulties
- Physical changes like appetite shifts, tremors, or red eyes
- Choosing substance use over responsibilities at work, school, or home
Diagnosing SUD: The Process
A licensed professional at Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness will guide you through a full assessment, including:
- Review of your substance use history, medical background, and mental health
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- Applying DSM-5 criteria: Patterns of use beyond intention and unsuccessful reduction efforts
- Social Impact: Strained relationships and neglected obligations
- Risky Use: Continued use despite dangers or clear harm
- Physical Dependence: Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
- Lab testing, if needed, to detect substance presence
- Screening for co-occurring mental health conditions
Risk Factors for SUD
While no single cause guarantees SUD, these elements can raise the risk:
- Mental health disorders such as PTSD, chronic anxiety, or major depression
- Genetic predispositions or variations in brain chemistry
- Peer influence, especially among younger people
- Exposure to unstable or traumatic environments
- Long-term physical pain
Having one or more of these factors doesn’t mean SUD is inevitable, and some people develop it without obvious warning signs.
Dual Diagnosis: SUD with Other Conditions
- It’s common for SUD to occur alongside other mental health issues. Treating both is essential for lasting recovery. Typical co-occurring conditions include:
- Anxiety disorders and PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders (e.g., borderline or antisocial)
- ADHD
Living with SUD
If you or someone you care about is facing substance challenges, know that help is available. At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, our clinicians provide compassionate, personalized support to guide you through recovery. Reaching out to a trusted friend or professional is a great first step in building your support system.
Recovery often involves reshaping daily habits. Many people find purpose through new hobbies, support groups, or regular exercise. Healthy social connections and physical activity can reduce cravings and boost overall well-being.
Recognizing Emergencies: When to Seek Immediate Help
- Signs of overdose: Unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or seizures
- Self-harm risk: If someone expresses intent to harm themselves, call 911 or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures: These symptoms require urgent care
- Any drug-related emergency: When immediate medical attention is necessary
- Dangerous behavior: If someone poses a risk to themselves or others, seek help right away
Reaching out for assistance with substance use disorders can be life-changing, easing cravings, restoring daily routines, and supporting long-term wellness. With the proper guidance, individuals dealing with addiction can break free, heal relationships, maintain steady employment, and embrace a more balanced, satisfying life. At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, our virtual care model delivers dependable, accessible, and compassionate personalized treatment from licensed experts. By blending evidence-based therapies with customized medication management, clients gain actionable tools to recover while remaining empowered and in control of their mental health journey.