What is a substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts and behavior and causes difficulty controlling their use of substances like drugs or alcohol. SUD symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect people from all walks of life. 

Unfortunately, SUDs are one of the most common mental health concerns. As of 2022, nearly 49 million people in the U.S. 12 or older had a SUD in the past year. The good news is that SUDs are treatable with the right support.

What types of substance use disorders are there?

There are several different types of SUDs, including:

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

Among these conditions, alcohol use disorder is the most common SUD in the U.S. It’s also possible to have more than one SUD at the same time. While these substances can affect the mind and body in different ways, there are some signs a person might be living with a SUD. 

These signs include:

• Strong desire or craving for the substance
• Taking larger amounts of the substance than intended 
• Using the substance more frequently than intended 
• Unsuccessfully attempting to limit substance use
• Spending considerable time, money, or energy obtaining and using the substance
• Experiencing challenges at home, work, school, or in relationships due to substance use
• Continuing to use the substance even after experiencing negative consequences
• Avoiding professional or occupational responsibilities or activities that you used to enjoy due to substance use
• Needing more and more of the substance to achieve the desired effect (developing tolerance)
• Experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms when you can’t access the substance
• Using the substance to prevent withdrawal symptoms

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Substance use disorder vs. drug addiction

The words we use to discuss a person’s relationship with substances like drugs or alcohol can be confusing. Terms like drug habit, drug addiction, substance abuse, substance misuse, chemical dependence, and substance use disorder each have unique definitions, but they’re sometimes used interchangeably. 

Research shows that language matters when it comes to challenging stigma. And some of these terms can be offensive. Some recommendations for how to talk about this topic in ways that communicate compassion and respect for affected people include:

• Instead of “habit,” use “substance use disorder” because “habit” fails to communicate the seriousness of the condition and may inaccurately imply that a person has control over their substance use like any other habit (i.e. biting their nails). 
• Instead of “substance abuse,” use “unhealthy substance use” or “harmful substance use.” And remember: Even legal substance use can be unhealthy if you don’t follow your doctor’s recommendations. 
• Instead of calling someone an “alcoholic” or “addict,” use a person-first term like “person with alcohol use disorder” or “person with cannabis use disorder.” Person-first language communicates that a person is worthy of respect and their identity is so much more than their SUD diagnosis.

Six things you should know about substance use disorder

Despite how common they are, many myths about SUDs prevail. Learning the facts about SUDs can help you better understand your experience (or the experience of a loved one) and empower you to seek the support you deserve.

1. Willpower usually isn’t enough. Most people need more than just willpower to enter remission from a SUD. Over time, substance use changes how the brain works and creates intense cravings that can make it incredibly difficult to quit without support. 
2. Anyone can seek support. You don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to ask for help for a SUD. The best time to enter treatment is at the first sign of trouble with a substance. This is because the longer the cycle continues, the more difficult it can be to enter recovery.
3. SUDs are manageable. SUDs are chronic conditions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be managed or that you can’t put an end to active use of a substance. With therapy, self-care, support groups, and (at times) medication, you can enter recovery from SUD.
4. Treatment isn’t about substitution. Treating an SUD with medication isn’t just substituting one substance for another. There are medications that can help you safely withdraw from substances so you can improve your mental and physical health during the early days of recovery.
5. Relapse is normal and expected. Relapse is a part of recovery for many people, and it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Planning ahead for relapse can help you recommit to your goals for recovery and eliminate shame if and when it happens.
6. Having a SUD isn’t a sign of weakness. SUDs are diseases just like other health conditions, and if you’re struggling with one, you deserve integrated care that addresses the effects of substances on the mind and body.

Find care with Rula

Living with an untreated SUD can negatively affect your health and well-being in many ways. It can also take a toll on your relationships and ability to function in daily life. While there are several types of SUDs, all are highly treatable with the right support. With a combination of therapy, self-care, and, sometimes, medication, you can change your relationship with substances and enter recovery.

If you or someone you care about needs help for a SUD, Rula can quickly and easily connect you with a mental health professional. In just a few clicks, you can sort through our network of over 10,000 providers to find a therapist who takes your insurance and offers the specialized care you deserve. You can start the process today and make your first live video appointment with a provider of your choice for as soon as tomorrow.

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