Drug and Alcohol
Substance Use Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for SUD
Substance use disorder is devastating. But it's also treatable. Learn more about substance use disorder – and its treatment – in our blog.
Understanding substance use disorder (SUD) is crucial for managing and overcoming it, whether you are battling the disorder yourself or supporting someone close to you. This article explores the multifaceted nature of SUD, including its causes, which range from genetic factors to environmental influences, and its profound effects on both physical and mental health.
We will also review comprehensive treatment options that encompass detoxification, therapy, and ongoing support to aid recovery. At our recovery treatment center, we are dedicated to providing the knowledge and support needed to navigate the path to recovery effectively.
What Is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of substances like alcohol and drugs (both illegal and prescribed), leading to significant impairment in health, relationships, and daily functioning. This disorder impacts the brain's reward system, increasing the difficulty in controlling substance use despite the awareness of adverse consequences.
SUD varies in severity and manifests through symptoms such as intense cravings, inability to reduce usage, and withdrawal symptoms when not using. The development of SUD involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including genetic predisposition, early exposure to substances, and underlying mental health issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
The signs and symptoms of substance use disorder can vary based on the drug used and the severity of the disorder in question. However, some common substance use disorder symptoms can help identify the presence of SUD in an individual's life.
Intense Cravings and Desire
Individuals with SUD experience strong cravings and a compelling desire to use the substance.
Thoughts become preoccupied with obtaining and using the substance.
Loss of Control
Difficulty limiting or stopping substance use, even with a strong desire to quit.
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical and psychological symptoms when substance use is reduced or stopped.
Examples include tremors, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and intense drug cravings.
Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences
Persistent substance use despite experiencing problems in relationships, work, finances, or legal issues.
Neglecting responsibilities and obligations due to substance use.
Behavioral and Emotional Changes
Sudden mood swings, irritability, or aggression.
Increased secrecy, isolation from loved ones, and changes in social circles.
A decline in personal hygiene and neglect of physical appearance.
Tolerance
Needing more significant amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect.
Diminished effects from the same dosage over time.
Withdrawal and Avoidance
Spending a significant amount of time and effort obtaining and using the substance.
Avoiding activities or events due to the unavailability of the substance.
Neglected Interests and Hobbies
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies.
Prioritizing substance use over once-meaningful pursuits.
Physical and Health Changes
Noticeable changes in weight, appetite, or sleep patterns.
A decline in overall physical health and appearance.
Relationship and Social Impact
Strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Social withdrawal and isolation from support networks.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
Would you like more information about how substance use disorder ca be treated? Reach out today.
DSM 5 Substance Use Disorder
The DSM-5 provides the established criteria for diagnosing Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria to assess whether an individual meets the criteria for substance use disorder. These criteria include:
Impaired Control
Taking the substance in greater quantities or more extended than intended.
Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or manage substance use.
Investing much time in obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
Social Impairment
Substance abuse causes failure to meet essential obligations at school, work, or home.
Continued substance abuse, although it is causing social or interpersonal problems.
Giving up or decreasing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to substance abuse.
Risky Use
Using substances in potentially dangerous situations, such as driving.
Continued substance usage despite being aware of health or mental issues caused or worsened by substance use.
Pharmacological Criteria
Increasing the amount of the substance needed to have the intended effect due to the development of tolerance.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when substance use is lowered or stopped.
ICD 10 Substance Use Disorder
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), plays a crucial role in standardizing the diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) across various healthcare settings. Here's a breakdown of how the ICD-10 approaches the categorization and diagnosis of SUD:
ICD-10 Overview
The ICD-10 provides a global standard for diagnosing and categorizing health conditions, including SUD, facilitating consistent reporting and tracking.
Classification System
SUDs are classified under the ICD-10 category "F10-F19: Mental and Behavioral Disorders Due to Psychoactive Substance Use," covering a range of substances including alcohol, opioids, and cannabis.
Coding Specificity
Unlike the DSM-5, which includes specific diagnostic criteria for various substances, the ICD-10 uses codes to define the forms of substance use disorders, focusing on the substance involved and the severity of the disorder.
Usage in Healthcare
These codes are crucial for healthcare providers to diagnose SUD in medical records and for administrative purposes, ensuring uniformity across different healthcare facilities.
Comparison with DSM-5
While the DSM-5 is often preferred for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning due to its detailed criteria, the ICD-10's strength lies in its widespread use for documentation and epidemiological tracking, providing a broader framework for understanding substance-related disorders.
Both the ICD-10 and DSM-5 are vital tools in the field of mental health, each serving complementary purposes in the diagnosis and management of drug use disorders.
We’ll Lead You to New Heights
Do you have more questions about how substance use disorder ca be treated? Reach out.
Substance Use Disorder Causes and Risk Factors
Substance Use Disorder is a complex condition that arises from a combination of various factors. Understanding SUD's causes and risk factors can provide valuable insights into its development.
Genetic Predisposition
SUD susceptibility can be increased by inherited genetic variations.
Specific genes may have an impact on how the brain reacts to substances.
Environmental Factors
SUD can be caused by early exposure to drugs at home or in the community.
Living in an environment with high availability of substances raises the risk of exposure.
Peer pressure and societal norms around substance usage can impact behavior.
Mental Health Disorders
The risk is increased by co-occurring mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Substance abuse may be used as a self-medication to treat mental health issues.
Trauma and Adverse Life Experiences
Trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse circumstances can contribute to SUD.
Substance use may be a coping mechanism to escape emotional pain or distress.
Social and Peer Influence
Peer pressure and social circles that encourage substance abuse can influence behavior.
Conforming to societal standards around substance use raises the risk of SUD.
Lack of Supportive Relationships
A lack of familial or social support might lead to the development of SUD.
A lack of good relationships can contribute to the search for comfort in substance use.
Easy Access to Substances
Substance availability and ease of access raise the risk of SUD.
Unsecured prescription medications or the wide availability of substances in communities both have a role.
Early Substance Use
Adolescent use of substances increases the likelihood of acquiring SUD.
Early exposure influences brain development and may result in problematic use.
What Is The Most Common Type Of Substance Use Disorder?
The most common type of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) varies by demographic and geographic region. However, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common type of SUD worldwide.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder is a problematic drinking pattern that causes clinically substantial impairment or distress.
It involves symptoms such as a strong urge or needs for alcohol, difficulties managing alcohol use, tolerance (requiring more alcohol to obtain the desired effect), and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol usage is reduced or stopped.
AUD can have a variety of adverse outcomes, including health issues, relational problems, legal issues, and decreased social functioning.
While alcohol use disorder is commonly observed, other substances can also lead to significant disorders. These include:
Opioid Use Disorder: Involves the misuse or dependence on opioids, such as prescription pain medications or illicit drugs like heroin.
Cannabis Use Disorder: Refers to problematic cannabis use leading to impairment or distress.
Stimulant Use Disorder: Involves the misuse or dependence on stimulant drugs like cocaine or amphetamines.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
Do you need advice about how substance use disorder ca be treated? Reach out today.
Substance Use Disorder vs Addiction
Substance Use Disorder and addiction are terms often used interchangeably but have separate meanings. Here's a comparison between the two.
Substance Use Disorder
SUD is a diagnostic term for various problematic patterns of substance use.
It is a clinical diagnosis specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that evaluates the severity of substance-related issues.
Based on the number of diagnostic criteria met SUD is classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
Impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological aspects like tolerance and withdrawal are all DSM-5 criteria for SUD.
Addiction
Addiction is a broad term that refers to a chronic, relapsing brain disorder marked by obsessive drug seeking and use in the face of negative consequences.
It is characterized by an inability to manage or stop substance use, craving, and continued use despite negative consequences to one's health, relationships, and other areas of life.
Addiction frequently includes physical dependence, as shown by withdrawal symptoms, and mental dependence, as shown by cravings and compulsive behaviors.
Substance use disorder is a clinical diagnosis that provides a framework for analyzing and categorizing problematic substance use behaviors. Conversely, addiction is a more general term that encompasses the complex neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral components of compulsive drug seeking & use.
Addiction is not limited to substance use. It can also manifest in behaviors such as gambling, gaming, or internet use, known as behavioral addictions.
Conclusion: Navigating Recovery From Substance Use Disorder
Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD)—its causes, effects, and the myriad of treatment options available—is crucial for effective recovery and management. Whether you're personally experiencing SUD or supporting someone who is, it's important to recognize that recovery is possible with the right approach and resources.
At The Edge Treatment Center, we are committed to providing the support and treatments necessary to help you or your loved ones overcome the challenges of SUD. Reach out to us, and let us assist you on your journey toward healing and recovery.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.
Written by
Brian MooreContent Writer
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Drug and Alcohol
July 6, 2024
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Substance Use Disorder can stem from a variety of factors including genetic predisposition, environmental influences such as early exposure to drugs or stress, and psychological conditions like anxiety or depression. These factors often interact to increase the risk of developing SUD.
SUD often co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The interaction between SUD and these conditions can exacerbate both, leading to a complex cycle of worsening mental health and increased substance use.
Like many chronic conditions, SUD is generally not considered curable, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment strategies can help individuals reduce substance use and improve quality of life. Management is ongoing, similar to how chronic physical diseases are treated.
Treatment for SUD often includes a combination of medication-assisted therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, and support groups. The specific treatment approach can vary depending on the individual's needs and the substances used.
Starting drug use at an early age significantly increases the risk of developing SUD. Adolescents are particularly susceptible, with those starting drug use early more likely to develop SUD than those who start later in life.