Definition

A substance use disorder is when a person keeps using a substance despite physical, emotional, or social problems. The substance can be illegal drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, or heroin, marijuana, or prescription medicine. People may also misuse chemicals like inhalants.

Causes

The cause is not known. Things like genetics, the environment, and peer pressure may play a role.

Chemical Release in Brain Drugs stimulate unnecessary chemical release in the brain. Long-term drug use may change brain function. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Having other people in the family with substance use problems
• Having mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or panic disorder
• Social and peer pressure to use substances
• Early antisocial behavior, such as breaking the law or repeated lying
• Easy access to substances
• Stress
• Lack of parent involvement

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Poor control of the substance, such as:
  • Taking it in much higher amounts for a longer time
  • Problems trying to cut down or stop using it
  • Spending large amounts of time getting or using it or recovering from using it
  • Craving it
• Repeated work, school, home, or relationship problems due to substance use
• Using the substance even though it means risking physical safety or knowing it will make existing physical or mental problems worse
• Repeated trouble with the law, such as driving while under the influence of a substance or stealing to get the substance

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. They will also ask about history of substance use. An exam will be done.

Blood and urine tests may be done to check for substances.

Treatment

There is no cure. The goals are to help someone to stop using the substance. Early steps also include helping to clear drug from the body to ease withdrawal.

It can take a long time to recover. Many people may need to be treated several times. It may include 1 or more of the following:

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

• Learn about the risks from substance use.
• Do not spend time with people who use.
• Learn ways to handle peer pressure.
• Teach children about the dangers of using substances.
• Seek therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.