Understanding the Struggle with Substance Use

Navigating life with substance abuse issues can be an overwhelming journey, filled with challenges that affect both individuals and their loved ones. Substance abuse often starts as a means to cope with pain or stress but quickly spirals into a cycle that impacts all aspects of life—from physical health to emotional well-being, relationships, and professional commitments.

What are substance Use disorders?

Substance Use Disorders involve the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs that cause clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. These disorders can range from mild to severe and can affect individuals from all walks of life.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse:

The symptoms of SUDs can vary depending on the substance and the individual but generally include a combination of behavioral, physical, and psychological signs. Common symptoms include:

• Using larger amounts of a substance or for longer periods than intended.
• Being unable to cut back on use despite wanting to.
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
• Experiencing intense cravings.
• Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use.
• Continuing use despite it causing problems in personal or professional life.
• Sacrificing important social, recreational, or professional activities to use the substance.
• Using in physically hazardous situations, such as driving under the influence.
• Continuing use despite knowing it’s harming your physical or mental health.
• Developing tolerance, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.