The Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Public health specialists, doctors, and experts divide addictive substances into two broad categories when discussing the signs of substance use disorder. These categories include drugs (including prescription medications) and alcohol. The core signs of addiction for all of these substances are essentially the same. They define the presence of a diagnosable condition called substance use disorder. The primary difference in any case of this disorder depends on the specific substance causing problems for an individual. The Right Step is here to help you understand the signs of substance use disorder and provide treatment programs so you can achieve recovery. Through our treatment and therapy, we help you live a healthy life free from drugs and alcohol.

Substance Use Disorder Essentials

Doctors use the substance use disorder diagnosis to identify signs of addiction to any substance. They use the same diagnosis to identify signs of serious substance abuse in non-addicted people. The term substance use disorder was officially introduced by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013 as a way to formally recognize the frequent overlap between substance abuse and substance addiction. There is a form of this condition for every major group of addictive substances, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis (marijuana, hashish)
  • Stimulants (both prescription and illicit/illegal)
  • Opioids (both prescription and illicit/illegal)
  • Sedative, hypnotic and tranquilizing medications, and
  • Tobacco products

If you suffer from addiction to any of these substances, it is important to get help from a Texas addiction treatment center so you can achieve sobriety and improve your overall health.

Addiction and Abuse Symptoms

Regardless of the substance causing the problem, there are 11 possible signs that you have a substance use disorder. These symptoms include addiction-related issues, as well as abuse-related issues. They are:

  • Strong cravings for alcohol or a specific drug
  • Loss of control over your intake of alcohol or a specific drug (in terms of the amount you consume and/or the number of times consumption occurs)
  • A recurring inability to successfully quit drinking or using a specific drug, despite a desire to do so
  • Devoting large amounts of time to obtaining, consuming or recuperating from the effects of alcohol or a specific drug
  • A pattern of alcohol or drug use that causes you to miss, skip or avoid important obligations
  • Repeated use of alcohol or a specific drug in dangerous situations
  • Continuing to drink or use a specific drug despite awareness of the damage done to your physical and/or mental health
  • Continuing to drink or use a specific drug after experiencing serious negative consequences of any kind
  • A pattern of drug or alcohol use that leads you to diminish your involvement in favored activities or stop participating in those activities altogether
  • Rising tolerance that forces you to consume more drugs or alcohol to experience a notable effect, and
  • The onset of withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking or consuming a specific drug (or continuing your intake specifically to avoid experiencing these symptoms)

If two or more of these symptoms appear within a 365-day span of time, seek help through a doctor or medical professional at a substance abuse treatment program. Know that you are not alone. There are treatment centers available like The Right Step who are able and willing to help you overcome substance abuse.

Contact The Right Step

When you contact The Right Step, our treatment programs such as our individual therapy program, group therapy program, and holistic therapy program in TX are available to help guide you towards a sober life. We will help diagnose your mild, moderate, or severe substance use disorder and help you understand the signs. We can also develop an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Contact us at 17135283709 today so you can get started on treatment.

Sources “Substance Use Disorders” – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use “Substance Use Disorder” – U.S. National Library of Medicine–MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001522.htm “The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: The Basics” – National Institute on Drug Abuse https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics

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