Substance use disorder is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. It may lead to substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships, family relationships, or both. Substance use disorder, as a recognized medical brain disorder, refers to the use of illegal substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Or the misuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug associated with substance use disorder.
Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe use of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed. Signs of dependence include:
Substances frequently include:
Cultural and societal factors determine what are acceptable or allowable forms of drug or alcohol use. Public laws determine what kind of drug use is legal or illegal. The question of what type of substance use can be considered normal or acceptable remains controversial. Substance use disorder is caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. But which of these factors has the biggest influence in any one person cannot be determined in all cases. What is true is when the substance being used causes issues in your life, it is time to ask for help!
The following are the most common behaviors that mean a person is using or misusing drugs or alcohol. But each person may have slightly different symptoms. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of substance use disorder may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Any provider at RSG Healthcare can diagnose substance use disorder. Clinical findings often depend on the substance, the frequency of use, and the length of time since last used, and may include:
Specific treatment for substance use disorder will be determined by your doctor based on:
A variety of treatment (or recovery) programs for substance use disorder are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance. Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance) and long-term follow-up management or recovery-oriented systems of care are important features of successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually includes formalized group meetings and psychosocial support systems, as well as continued medical supervision. Individual and family psychotherapy are often recommended to address the issues that may have contributed to and resulted from the development of a substance use disorder. We can help you develop the best treatment plan for you.