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Substance Use Disorder
Urgent
Substance use disorder is a medical condition involving continued use of alcohol or drugs despite harmful effects or difficulty controlling use. It can affect health, relationships, work, and daily functioning. The disorder may involve craving, loss of control, increasing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop use.
Body System
Mental Health
When to Seek Medical Attention
Substance use disorder requires professional assessment and treatment, particularly when substance use is causing health, work, school, relationship, or safety problems. Seek prompt medical help when stopping a substance may cause withdrawal or when use is escalating. Emergency assistance is needed for overdose, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe breathing problems, poisoning, or suicidal behavior.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Substance use disorder is a medical condition involving continued use of alcohol or drugs despite harmful effects or difficulty controlling use. It can affect health, relationships, work, and daily functioning. The disorder may involve craving, loss of control, increasing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop use.
Symptoms 3
Confusion
Depressed Mood
Mood Swings
Causes 2
Substance use disorder develops through a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Repeated exposure to a substance can alter brain reward and stress systems and contribute to craving and loss of control. Genetic susceptibility, mental health conditions, trauma, social environment, and the properties and availability of the substance can all contribute to development of the disorder.
Alcohol
Stress
Risk Factors
Risk factors include family history of substance use disorder, early exposure to alcohol or drugs, trauma, chronic stress, certain mental health conditions, social environments where substance use is common, and easy access to addictive substances. Risk varies according to the substance, pattern of use, individual vulnerability, and social circumstances.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment of substance use and its effects on health and daily functioning. Healthcare professionals consider patterns of use, inability to control use, craving, continued use despite harm, tolerance, withdrawal, and related problems. Screening questionnaires and assessment for medical or psychiatric complications may also be used.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Substance use disorder cannot always be prevented, but risk may be reduced by delaying or avoiding harmful substance use, using prescribed medicines only as directed, building healthy coping strategies, and addressing stress or trauma appropriately
Early recognition of problematic use and timely professional support can help prevent progression and reduce complications
Prevention Guidance
Substance use disorder cannot always be prevented, but risk may be reduced by delaying or avoiding harmful substance use, using prescribed medicines only as directed, building healthy coping strategies, and addressing stress or trauma appropriately. Early recognition of problematic use and timely professional support can help prevent progression and reduce complications.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Balanced Diet
Support recovery
Fresh Fruits
Provide vitamins
Vegetables
Support overall health
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
Avoid substance triggers
Recreational Drugs
Avoid completely
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A condition involving problematic use of addictive substances.
Genetic, social, and psychological factors contribute.
Cravings and inability to stop substance use.
Yes, treatment and rehabilitation can help.
Through clinical evaluation.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.