About Substance Use Disorders

By Kevin on

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

  • Substance use disorders (SUD)

  • Drug use disorder

  • Addiction

  • Substance abuse

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition where a person cannot control their use of substances like drugs or alcohol, even though it causes problems in their life. These substances can be illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, or legal ones like alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medications. When someone has SUD, they have a strong urge to use the substance and often need more of it to get the same effect. They might spend a lot of time thinking about the substance, getting it, using it, and recovering from its effects. This can lead to missing school or work, having trouble with family and friends, and even getting into legal trouble.

There are different levels of SUD: mild, moderate, and severe. Severe SUD is often called addiction. People with SUD might try to stop using the substance but find it very hard because their brain has become dependent on it. Symptoms of SUD include:

  • Using larger amounts or for longer than intended

  • Wanting to cut down or stop but not being able to

  • Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance

  • Craving or a strong desire to use the substance

  • Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home

  • Continuing to use the substance even when it causes relationship problems

  • Giving up important activities because of substance use

  • Using the substance in dangerous situations, like driving

  • Continuing to use despite physical or psychological problems

  • Developing tolerance (needing more to get the same effect)

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance

Causes of SUD

  • Genetic factors: Some people are more likely to develop SUD because of their genes

  • Environmental factors: Stress, peer pressure, and exposure to drugs can increase the risk

  • Psychological factors: Mental health issues like depression or anxiety can lead to SUD

  • Social factors: Family and community influences can play a role

Trend

In the United States, SUD is a significant issue. Here are some key statistics:

  • About 20 million Americans aged 12 and older have a substance use disorder

  • Over the past five years, approximately 100 million people in the U.S. have experienced SUD

  • The number of people with SUD is expected to increase due to ongoing issues like the opioid crisis. By 2029, the number of people with SUD could rise significantly if current trends continue

History

Substance use and addiction have been around for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used substances like alcohol and opium for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, the modern understanding of SUD as a medical condition began in the 20th century. In the 1950s, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helped change how society viewed addiction, promoting the idea that it is a disease rather than a moral failing. The 1980s saw the rise of the "War on Drugs," which focused on criminalizing drug use. More recently, there has been a shift towards treating SUD as a public health issue, with an emphasis on prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Source of Information

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.


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