What Is Substance Use Disorder?
It is the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs and it causes significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. It may lead to serious health problems
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem. Substance use problems occur more frequently with certain mental health problems, including:
Substance Use Disorders
Symptoms of substance use disorders may include:
- Behavioral changes, such as:
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
- Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)
- Using substances in physically hazardous situations such as while driving or operating a machine
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
- Lacking of motivation
- Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
- Physical changes, such as:
- Bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Deterioration of physical appearance
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
- Social changes, such as:
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
- Legal problems related to substance use
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems
- Using substances even though it causes problems in relationships
Psychotherapy
We can help you work on the reasons for your drug use/abuse, past, present, and future consequences
Resources
Substance Use Disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. http://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use The Diagnostic Criteria for Substance Use Disorders (Addiction). Mental Help website. https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/the-diagnostic-criteria-for-substance-use-disorders-addiction/ Updated April 25, 2016. Accessed July 28, 2016.