What to know about substance use disorder
Many people struggle with alcohol or drug use. Learn the signs and how to get help.
Substance use disorder is common. You may know someone who is affected. Or you may be worried about your own substance use.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition. It’s not a personal failure or lack of willpower.
SUD changes how your brain works. It can make it hard to control alcohol or drug use, even when it causes harm.
But with the right care and support, people can recover. Learn the signs and treatment options. Then take the next step.
Signs of substance use disorder
Substance use can change how you think, feel and behave. Not everyone shows the same signs, but common ones include:
- Wanting to use alcohol or drugs every day or many times a day
- Needing more of the drug to feel the same effect
- Thinking about using or getting high most of the time
- Spending money you don’t have on alcohol or drugs
- Doing risky things, such as driving while high or stealing
- Keeping using even when it causes problems with family, friends, or co‑workers
- Losing interest in activities you enjoyed
- Missing school or work, or having trouble at your job
- Changes in health, like low energy or weight changes
If you notice several of these signs, it may be time to talk with a health care provider.
Get the most out of your benefits
Getting treatment
Substance use disorder is a disease. People usually cannot stop on their own without support. Treatment helps, especially when you start early.
Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) first. They can help you find the right care or refer you to a specialist.
Treatment options include:
- Talk therapy: Counseling may take place one‑on‑one or in a group. Group therapy can help you get support from others who have been through the same thing. A counselor can help you:
- Understand your substance use
- Find triggers
- Learn healthy ways to cope
- Medications: Some medicines can lower cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. That can help lower the chances of starting again.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines medicine and counseling. It can treat opioid and alcohol use disorder. Many people have more success with MAT than counseling or medicine alone.
Your PCP can help guide your care. If you ever end up in the ER for an overdose or mental health crisis, call your PCP. It’s best to see them within a week of your ER visit. That way, they can help plan next steps and start your ongoing care.
See our sources
SUD background: Medline Plus
Statistic on SUDs in the U.S.: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Illinois Department of Public Health
