Substance use disorder symptoms and risk factors

As of 2022, nearly 49 million people 12 and older in the U.S. had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. This includes nearly 30 million people who had alcohol use disorder (AUD), more than 27 million people who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD. Altogether, SUDs affect more than 17% of the U.S. population, making them some of the most common mental health conditions. 

SUDs can affect people from all walks of life, but they can sometimes be hard to detect. So if you’re concerned about your relationship with substances but not sure if you have a problem, you’re not alone. Learning more about how SUDs can help you better understand yourself and empower you to seek support if needed.

How substance use disorder can look and feel

With how SUDs are often portrayed in media, you might start to think they always look the same. But, in reality, two (or more) people could be diagnosed with the same SUD and present very differently. That said, while each person’s experience of a substance use disorder will be unique, there are some broad categories that encompass how these conditions tend to look and feel. 

To be diagnosed with a SUD, a person must show symptoms from the following categories:

• Impaired control: A person with a SUD experiences cravings for a substance that are so strong that they have difficulty controlling their use. They may also have had unsuccessful attempts to reduce their substance use or quit completely.
• Social problems: SUDs can impact a person’s ability to work, tend to responsibilities at home, and maintain healthy relationships. A person with a SUD may also stop doing activities they used to enjoy or refrain from socializing due to their substance use.
• Dangerous use: A person with a SUD may continue to use substances even when they’re aware of the problems they’re causing. They may also use substances when it’s objectively unsafe to do so (like while driving or operating machinery) or use beyond a safe quantity or dosage.
• Drug effects: Over time, a person with a SUD may develop a tolerance, meaning they require larger amounts of the substance or more frequent use to achieve the desired effect. They may also experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they’re unable to use the substance.

Keep in mind that some people with SUDs may be aware of these symptoms, while others may not — especially in the beginning. It’s possible that another person may become aware of these signs first. In that case, they may want to encourage their loved one to seek help. If you find yourself in that position, know that it’s OK to seek support and guidance for yourself too.

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Common causes of substance use disorders

Substance use disorders don’t have a singular cause. However, you may have an increased risk of developing a SUD if you:

• Have family members with SUDs
• Live in a stressful environment or have a chaotic lifestyle
• Have a certain genetic predisposition
• Experience peer pressure to use substances
• Experience emotional distress
• Take certain medications
• Live with a pre-existing mental health condition, like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or PTSD
• Have low self-esteem
• Grew up in a home where your parents used substances in unhealthy ways

In addition, research shows that SUDs tend to follow a predictable pattern with four phases:

1. The experimental phase: This is when a person tries a substance for the first time. It can happen with legal substances (like alcohol or cannabis), prescription medications (like opioids), or illegal drugs (like cocaine). 
2. The occasional use phase: At this point, the person begins using the substance(s) more frequently. They might begin using the substance socially or outside of their medical provider’s recommendations.
3. The heavy or risky use phase: During this phase, a person begins to use the substance all the time, despite negative consequences. They may take few (if any) days off from their substance use.
4. The SUD or addiction phase: This is when a person will meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder. In addition to chronic use, a person may begin experiencing negative consequences at home, work, or school, and their substance use will start to impact their ability to function in daily life.

The biggest risk factors for SUD

Many different factors can increase a person’s risk of developing a substance use disorder, as discussed above. However, research shows that SUDs tend to disproportionately affect younger people, people assigned male at birth, and those who experience impulsivity. 

But, interestingly, the biggest risk factor for SUDs appears to be stigma. In other words, others miscategorizing substance use as immoral, dangerous, or damaging may worsen already unhealthy use. This finding points to the importance of raising public awareness of SUDs as mental health conditions rather than moral failings. It’s also important that, as a society, we prioritize increasing access to treatment services and general mental healthcare.

How substance use disorder affects daily life

Left untreated, SUDs can negatively affect your mental health and well-being in many ways. They can cause short- and long-term issues, including:

• Physical health concerns (like digestive problems, respiratory illness, cancer, or bloodborne viruses)  
• Depression and other mental health challenges
• Relationship problems
• Job loss
• Academic decline
• Problems with memory and attention
• Legal or financial problems
• Unsafe behavior (like sharing needles or risky sexual practices)

These effects can take a damaging toll on many important aspects of a person’s life. However, it’s important to remember that substance use disorders are treatable mental health conditions. A variety of effective SUD therapies can help you embark on the road to recovery and change your relationship with drugs and alcohol.

Find care with Rula

Substance use disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. and across the world. They can affect people from any community, ethnicity, or background. So if you’re having trouble controlling your use of substances, you’re not alone and help is available. 

At Rula, we’re committed to making it easier to find affordable SUD treatment you can access virtually. In just a few clicks, you can use our therapist-matching program to find the right therapist for your needs, no matter the issues you’re facing. With our network of over 10,000 providers, you won’t wait weeks or months for an appointment. You can start the process today and make your first live video appointment with the therapist or psychiatric provider of your choice for as soon as tomorrow.

Get started with Rula today