Understanding SUD: What is Substance Use Disorder: Beyond Addiction

Meaning

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by an inability to control the use of a substance despite harmful consequences. It involves a pattern of symptoms resulting from the use of a substance that you continue to take, despite experiencing problems as a result.

SUD can involve substances such as alcohol, drugs, or other chemicals.

Recognize the Truth: SUD is Treatable Condition, Not a Character Defect

SUD — Substance Use Disorder

What is a Substance?

A substance in the context of Substance Use Disorder refers to any chemical that people consume that can change how their body or mind works. This includes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications.

Why is it Named — Substance?

It is named “substance” because it includes a wide variety of chemicals that people might use, not just illegal drugs or alcohol

This term is broad and covers any substance that can be misused

Example:

• Opioids: Prescription painkillers (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone), heroin.
• Hallucinogens: LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (Ecstasy).

Why Use the Word — Disorder?

The word disorder is used because it indicates that the use of the substance is causing significant problems in a person’s life.

This could mean health problems, trouble at work or school, or difficulties in personal relationships. Calling it a disorder helps to recognize that it’s a medical condition that needs treatment

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Key Characteristics of SUD:

These 5 criteria help clinicians assess the severity and impact of substance use on an individual’s life:

1. Loss of Control: Frequently using more of the substance or for longer periods than intended (e.g., drinking five beers when you planned to have just one, or continuing to use painkillers beyond the prescribed period).
2. Social Impairment: Repeatedly failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home due to substance use (e.g., missing work deadlines, failing exams, or neglecting family duties because of substance use).
3. Risky Use: Consistently using substances in physically hazardous situations, like driving (e.g., driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or operating heavy machinery while impaired).
4. Tolerance: Needing significantly larger amounts of the substance to feel the same effects (e.g., initially needing two drinks to feel relaxed but eventually needing five to achieve the same feeling).
5. Withdrawal: Experiencing severe physical or psychological symptoms when not using the substance (e.g., feeling shaky, sweaty, or nauseous when not drinking alcohol, or feeling anxious and depressed without opioids).

It’s a Disease, Not a Personality Flaw or a Sign of Weakness

SUD — Risks

Am I at Risk? When Should You Be Concerned?

If you’re wondering whether you might have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), here are some signs and questions to consider:

Frequent Overuse and Failed Control:

• Do you find yourself drinking more alcohol than you planned, or using painkillers for longer than prescribed?
• Do you keep telling yourself you’ll cut back, but you can’t stick to it?
• Are you spending significant portions of your day involved in substance-related activities?
• Are you missing work, failing classes, or neglecting family duties because of your substance use?

Social and Health Consequences:

• Do you have conflicts with friends or family over your substance use?
• Have you driven under the influence or used machinery while impaired?
• Do you use the substance even though it makes you feel ill or depressed?
• Are you finding that you need to drink more alcohol or take more of a drug to achieve the desired effect?

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem:

• Self-Assessment: Reflect on your substance use and its impact on your life. Honest self-assessment is crucial.
• Talk to a Professional: Consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options.
• Seek Support: There are many resources and support groups available for individuals struggling with substance use. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Recognizing a problem is the first step towards recovery. If any of the above points resonate with you, it might be beneficial to seek professional advice.

How is it different from Addiction

Yes, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is essentially what is commonly referred to as addiction

While “addiction” is a more colloquial term, “Substance Use Disorder” is the clinical term used in medical and psychological contexts to diagnose and treat the condition

While ‘addiction’ is a term commonly used in everyday language, it often carries negative connotations and stigma. People may associate it with personal failure or moral weakness. In contrast, ‘Substance Use Disorder’ (SUD) is the clinical term used by medical and psychological professionals to diagnose and treat the condition.

Referring to it as SUD helps to frame it as a medical issue that requires proper treatment and support, rather than a character flaw. This shift in terminology promotes a more compassionate and understanding approach to addressing the challenges associated with substance use