Supporting a loved one struggling with substance abuse can be one of the most challenging experiences, but understanding substance abuse disorder (SAD) can make all the difference. When you know what’s really going on, it becomes easier to offer compassion, communicate effectively, and set realistic expectations.
Substance abuse isn’t just about bad choices — it’s a medical condition that affects both the person struggling and those around them. In this post, we’ll explore how SUD develops, the signs to watch for, and how to offer support. It’s a complex issue, but knowing what to look for and how to approach the situation can make all the difference.
What Does Substance Use Disorder Mean?
Substance use disorder is a condition where a person repeatedly uses substances like alcohol, drugs, or medications in ways that cause harm to their health, relationships, or daily life. It goes beyond casual use; when someone has SUD, their substance use becomes compulsive and difficult to control, even when they know it’s causing problems.
It’s important to recognize that it’s a medical condition, not a lack of willpower or morality, and it requires proper treatment and support to overcome. SUD can affect anyone, and it often leads to addiction, where a person feels they can’t function without using the substance. Over time, it can take a serious toll on mental and physical health, and it can disrupt a person’s relationships and responsibilities.
Types of Substance Abuse Disorder
The types of SUD are generally categorized based on the substance being abused. Here are some of the most common types:
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Problematic drinking that negatively impacts health, relationships, and daily life.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Compulsive use of marijuana, leading to daily life disruptions.
- Opioid Use Disorder: Misuse of prescription painkillers or illegal opioids, causing dependence and withdrawal.
- Cocaine Use Disorder: Compulsive use of cocaine, leading to cravings, loss of control, and harm.
- Stimulant Use Disorder: Misuse of stimulants like methamphetamine or prescription meds, leading to mood swings and health risks.
- Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder: Misuse of medications like benzodiazepines or barbiturates, causing dependence.
- Hallucinogen Use Disorder: Use of substances like LSD or PCP, causing altered perception and potential psychological harm.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Nicotine dependence through smoking or using other tobacco products, with difficulty quitting.
- Inhalant Use Disorder: Abuse of inhalants, often from household chemicals, causing physical and mental health risks.
How Common is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance abuse disorder is pretty common in the United States. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 48.5 million Americans — or 16.7% of people aged 12 and older — struggled with a substance use disorder in the past year. This means that a significant portion of the population (about 1 in 6 people) experienced a disorder related to substance use.
This high number suggests that SUD is not a rare issue but a widespread one, affecting millions of individuals across various age groups, backgrounds, and demographics. It highlights the need for increased awareness, prevention, and access to treatment and recovery resources. The statistic also points to the importance of understanding the complexity of SUD, as it is a medical condition that many people face, and often requires support and intervention to overcome.
In 2022, about 48.7 million people in the U.S. who were 12 years old or older had a substance use disorder (SUD). That’s roughly 17 out of every 100 people who struggle with using alcohol, drugs, or other substances in ways that can harm their health, relationships, or daily life. The numbers show that this problem affects a lot of people across the country.
How Does Substance Abuse Disorder Develop?
It typically develops over time, often starting with occasional use and gradually progressing as the brain becomes dependent on the substance. While it’s different for everyone, there are a few common factors that contribute to the development of SUD:
- Genetics: If substance use runs in the family, you may be more likely to develop SUD due to genetic factors affecting how substances are processed.
- Environment: Growing up in an environment where substance use is common, or early exposure, increases the risk of developing SUD.
- Mental Health: Conditions like anxiety or depression can lead to self-medication, eventually resulting in substance dependence.
- Social and Environmental Stress: Chronic stress from factors like financial issues or relationship problems can push someone toward using substances to cope.
How is Substance Abuse Disorder Different From Addiction?
These two terms are often used the same way, but they aren’t interchangeable. SUD encompasses a range of problematic behaviors related to substance use, from mild to severe. Addiction, also called “substance dependence,” is a more intense form of SUD, where a person develops a physical and psychological dependence on a substance. This leads to cravings, compulsive use, and continued use despite negative consequences.
While not everyone with SUD reaches the point of addiction, all cases of addiction are a form of SUD. SUD is diagnosed based on certain criteria, including the amount of time spent using the substance, inability to stop, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, among other signs. Addiction typically involves the most severe manifestations of these symptoms.
Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder
- Increased Tolerance: Needing more of a substance over time to feel the same effects.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling sick or uncomfortable when trying to stop using the substance.
- Using Substances in Dangerous Situations: Using substances in risky scenarios, like driving or working while under the influence.
- Spending a Lot of Time Using or Recovering: Focusing most of their time on obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet work, school, or family responsibilities due to substance use.
- Trying to Cut Down but Failing: Making attempts to reduce use but being unable to do so.
- Continuing Despite Negative Consequences: Using substances even though it leads to problems with health, relationships, or work.
- Cravings or Strong Urges: Experiencing intense urges to use the substance, often leading to repeated use.
How is Substance Use Disorder Treated?
Treating substance use disorder is all about finding the right combination of strategies that help someone stop using substances and start living a healthier, more balanced life. Recovery takes time, and it’s different for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to treat SUD:
1. Detox
The first step for many people in recovery is detox. This is when your body clears out the substance you’ve been using. Detox is often done in a medical setting so doctors and nurses can help manage any withdrawal symptoms you might experience. Detox is important, but it’s just the beginning — getting clean physically doesn’t mean the mental and emotional side of addiction is taken care of.
2. Therapy
Therapy plays a huge role in recovery because it helps you get to the root of why you started using in the first place. It also gives you tools to cope with cravings, manage triggers, and make healthier choices moving forward. Some of the most common types of therapy include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that lead to substance use.
- Motivational Interviewing: This technique helps you find the motivation to make lasting changes and stay on track.
- Group Therapy: Group sessions give you the chance to share experiences and learn from others who are in similar situations.
3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For some people, medication can be an important part of treatment. Medications like methadone or naltrexone can help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, especially when dealing with alcohol or opioid addiction. Medication-assisted treatment doesn’t “cure” addiction, but it helps make recovery more manageable by taking away some of the physical challenges.
4. Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab
Rehab programs provide a structured environment where you can focus entirely on your recovery. Inpatient rehab means you stay at the treatment facility 24/7, which gives you a break from everyday life and offers constant support. Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, lets you attend treatment during the day but return home at night. Both options include therapy, group support, and healthy lifestyle practices to help you stay on track.
5. Support Groups
Participating in substance abuse support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are crucial in recovery. These groups connect you with others who understand what you’re going through. Having a group of people who offer support and hold you accountable can be a powerful tool for staying sober.
6. Ongoing Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t stop after rehab. In fact, one of the most important parts of treatment is the ongoing support you’ll get once you leave. This can include continued therapy, attending support group meetings, or checking in with your counselor regularly. Having aftercare in place helps you stay connected, stay sober, and deal with challenges that come up as you transition back into everyday life.
Find Professional Support for Substance Abuse Disorder
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use, recognizing the signs and taking action early can make a big difference. At NorthPoint Washington, we’re here to help people through the recovery process with personalized, compassionate care.
Our inpatient substance abuse treatment plans provide a structured environment where people can get the support they need. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can support you and your loved one on the journey to healing.