Substance use disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve the misuse or dependence on substances such as alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. The most common substance use disorders include:
Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves the excessive consumption of alcohol, leading to problems such as physical health issues, relationship problems, and inability to control alcohol intake.
Opioid use disorder: Opioid use disorder involves the misuse of prescription or illegal opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl.
Stimulant use disorder: Stimulant use disorder involves the misuse of drugs that increase alertness and energy, such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
Cannabis use disorder: Cannabis use disorder involves the misuse of marijuana, which can cause problems such as impaired memory and concentration, anxiety, and addiction.
Substance use disorders can have serious physical and mental health consequences, and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment options include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups, and a healthcare provider or mental health specialist can help determine the best course of action for an individual’s specific needs. It is important to note that recovery from substance use disorders is possible with proper care and support.
Alcohol use disorder:
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental health condition that involves the excessive consumption of alcohol, leading to problems such as physical health issues, relationship problems, and inability to control alcohol intake. The diagnostic criteria for AUD include:
Drinking more alcohol or for longer periods of time than intended
Trying to cut down or stop drinking but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
Craving or strong desire to drink alcohol
Continuing to drink despite the negative impact on relationships, work, or other important areas of life
Giving up or reducing important activities in order to drink
Drinking despite knowing it is causing or worsening physical or mental health problems
Developing a tolerance to alcohol, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped.
Treatment for AUD may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Common medications for AUD include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, which help to reduce alcohol cravings, decrease the desire to drink, and create unpleasant physical reactions to alcohol consumption. Seeking help early and finding a supportive community can greatly improve an individual’s chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Opioid use disorder is a mental health condition that involves the misuse or dependence on prescription or illegal opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or hydrocodone. The diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder include:
Taking opioids in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
Trying to cut down or stop opioid use but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
Craving or strong desire to use opioids
Continuing to use opioids despite the negative impact on relationships, work, or other important areas of life
Giving up or reducing important activities in order to use opioids
Using opioids despite knowing it is causing or worsening physical or mental health problems
Developing a tolerance to opioids, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is reduced or stopped.
Opioid use disorder can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including overdose and addiction. Treatment options for opioid use disorder include medication-assisted treatment, which involves the use of medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, as well as therapy and support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Seeking help early and finding a supportive community can greatly improve an individual’s chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Stimulant use disorder:
Stimulant use disorder is a mental health condition that involves the misuse or dependence on drugs that increase alertness and energy, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin. The diagnostic criteria for stimulant use disorder include:
Taking stimulants in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
Trying to cut down or stop stimulant use but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from stimulants
Craving or strong desire to use stimulants
Continuing to use stimulants despite the negative impact on relationships, work, or other important areas of life
Giving up or reducing important activities in order to use stimulants
Using stimulants despite knowing it is causing or worsening physical or mental health problems
Developing a tolerance to stimulants, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stimulant use is reduced or stopped.
Stimulant use disorder can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including heart problems, paranoia, and addiction. Treatment options for stimulant use disorder include therapy, medication, and support groups such as Stimulant Anonymous (SA). Common medications for stimulant use disorder include bupropion, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and modafinil, which can help reduce the desire to use stimulants. Seeking help early and finding a supportive community can greatly improve an individual’s chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety
Cannabis use disorder:
Cannabis use disorder is a mental health condition that involves the misuse or dependence on cannabis, which is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. The diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder include:
Using cannabis in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
Trying to cut down or stop cannabis use but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis
Craving or strong desire to use cannabis
Continuing to use cannabis despite the negative impact on relationships, work, or other important areas of life
Giving up or reducing important activities in order to use cannabis
Using cannabis despite knowing it is causing or worsening physical or mental health problems
Developing a tolerance to cannabis, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when cannabis use is reduced or stopped.
Cannabis use disorder can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including impaire