Know the Signs: Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
If you’re reading this, you might be concerned that you, or someone you love, has substance use disorder. You read that right–it’s not referred to as substance abuse anymore. The name changed, because the understanding of the disease grew. The individual is no longer referred to as an addict or user, but someone who is afflicted with this disorder.
It's important to understand that substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable medical condition. If you're concerned that you or someone you know might have SUD, it's important to get help. There are many resources available to help people with SUD, and it's important to know that you're not alone.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite its harmful consequences. SUD can lead to a variety of problems, including:
Physical health problems: SUD can cause a variety of physical health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, liver damage, and cancer.
Mental health problems: SUD can also cause a variety of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Social problems: SUD can lead to a variety of social problems, such as job loss, financial problems, and relationship problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
There are a number of signs and symptoms of SUD. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
Cravings: A strong urge to use the substance, even when it causes problems.
Loss of control: Difficulty stopping using the substance, even when you want to.
Tolerance: Needing to use more of the substance to get the same effect.
Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing unpleasant symptoms when you stop using the substance.
Neglecting responsibilities: Spending more time using the substance than doing other important things.
Risky behaviors: Engaging in risky behaviors while using the substance, such as driving under the influence.
Legal problems: Getting into legal trouble related to substance use.
How to Know If You Have Substance Use Disorder
If you're concerned that you might have SUD, there are a number of things you can do. First, you can take a self-assessment tool. There are a number of self-assessment tools available online, such as National Institute on Drug Abuse Self Screening Tool.
You can also talk to a friend, family member, or healthcare provider about your concerns. They can help you assess whether or not you have SUD and provide you with resources to get help.
If you have SUD, there are a number of resources available to help you. There are many different types of treatment for SUD, and the best type of treatment for you will depend on your individual needs.
Some of the most common types of treatment for SUD include:
Detoxification: A process of medically supervised withdrawal from a substance.
Behavioral therapies: Therapies that help you change your thoughts and behaviors related to substance use.
Medication-assisted treatment: Medications that can help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Support groups: Groups of people who share their experiences with substance use and recovery.
It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating SUD. The best way to find the right treatment for you is to work with a qualified healthcare provider, like Counseling Services of Lancaster!
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, there is hope. Help is available. We serve all of Lancaster county and have treatment and recovery programs for every need. Contact us today for more information.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are concerned that you or someone you know might have substance use disorder, please consult with a healthcare provider.
