Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Continued use of any substance despite it having negative impacts on social, financial, legal, or health domains.
Your life matters
SUD can impact everyday life in some big ways. If you feel you may have SUD, your feelings are valid and you deserve support.
What does SUD feel like?
While there are official criteria for diagnosing substance use disorder, some have described it as feeling like:
Feeling lost or alone
Substance use disorder can leave many feeling like they are alone. You are not alone; help is available and there are people who have dedicated their lives to helping see you through this. See the resource section at the bottom of this page for help getting connected to support.
The substance feels like the solution to everything
Some have described feeling like whenever an issue in life comes up, the first thing they think about is the substance to help.
Having a hard time imagining a life without the substance
For some the substance has become such a focus that it might seem difficult imagining a life without it.
Having physical symptoms if the substance is stopped
Physical dependance can happen with many substances (including alcohol). This means that the body reacts when the substance is stopped and can cause some serious symptoms like vomiting, shaking, fever, sweating, hysteria, and many more. There are options available to help with withdrawal symptoms safely. It is important to seek help from addiction professionals in order to taper safely.
You are two different people
Some have described feeling like they have an entirely different personality that seeks the substance. The substance personality would do things they would never dream of doing, things they would be too ashamed to do. But the substance personality only cares about the substance and will do anything to have it.
Help is available
SUD is not something to "tough out". It is often caused by or worsened by factors that are best treated with therapy and/or medications.
What causes substance use disorder?
Almost anyone can develop SUD under "the right" circumstances, but here are some factors it is usually associated with:
Things that happened when you were young.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are events that happen during childhood that can have an impact on someone their whole life. Examples include being exposed to violence, neglect, drug or alcohol use, and several more. ACEs are associated with higher rates of SUD and other types of mental health diagnoses.
Sometimes it's something you're born with.
Genetics can play a role in SUD. This does not mean people born with those genetics are destined to develop SUD, but they can be more likely to develop it sometime in their life, especially if they have other risk factors.
Life can be really hard.
Big life changes can be hard on our minds. Things like death, breakups, financial changes, and many other experiences can cause us to turn to substances for a little help which might lead to negative consequences. Even positive changes can cause stress that might bring about substance use.
Your mind and body are connected.
Physical conditions that cause pain may involve prescriptions that can be addictive and that are difficult to manage safely. Also, having pain or discomfort from an illness or injury chips away at our resilience which can increase the likelihood of relying on a substance in a way that can develop into SUD.
Things can add up.
There are several mental health conditions that are treated by substances with addictive potential. Anxiety, ADHD, and sleep difficulties are a few that can involve medication treatments that are controlled substances. Also, living with another mental health condition is associated with higher rates of substance use.
Can we improve SUD ourselves?
It is very important to seek professional help, but there are steps you can take to help protect against or improve SUD like:
Staying active
If there ever was a "wonder drug", activity/exercise would be it. Almost every aspect of life is shown to improve with regular activity and exercise. Click for strategies anyone can use to become more active with small manageable steps.
Giving our body what it needs
What we put into our bodies also affects our minds. Getting the right nutrients and supporting our "brain-gut connection" can be for everyone. Click to learn more about how to make small changes that add up.
Strong sleep habits
Sleep impacts mental health and mental health impacts sleep. There are subtle changes that can be made to our nightly routines that encourage more restful sleep.
Understanding emotions
Sometimes it is important to give yourself a break. Understanding where emotions are coming from can help you identify areas to improve, as well as let you go easier on yourself for things that may not be in your control.
Healthy hobbies
Hobbies can help us become better at handling the challenges of life. Hobbies are often overlooked as a mental health tool. They help us unwind, meet like-minded people, and can improve mood.
What treatments help SUD?
There are medication and non medication based treatments that have been shown to help with substance use disorder.
Medication
There are medications that can help the transition away from substances into sobriety. Also, some substances require medical assistance to safely stop. It is important to become established with a psychiatric professional in order to receive the right medication treatment for you (if needed).
Non-Medication
It is also important to consult with a mental health professional about non-medication treatments. Some may still require referral or a prescription. Examples of non-medication treatments include:
- Therapy
- Vitamin modification
- Sunlight/Red light
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapeutic groups
Which treatment is best?
It is important to find a mental health specialist that blends best practices and your personal preferences, to help create a treatment plan that works best for you.