Addiction &
Substance Use Disorder

What is Addiction and Substance Use Disorder?

Addiction and Substance Use Disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain and behaviors causing an inability to control the use of illegal or legal drugs or medications. When someone is addicted, they continue to use the substance despite the harm it causes. Drugs and substances change one's brain composition in ways that make quitting very difficult, even for those who want to. Someone with substance use disorder will have challenged self-control and the changes in their brain interferes with their ability to resist intense urges to use substances, and people in recovery at at an increased risk to return to substance misuse even after years of sobriety.

Someone with substance use disorder will typically start with experimental or social use of the drug, which becomes more frequent until it the drug or substance becomes something the person feels they cannot live without. Substance use disorder can also start with prescribed medications, particularly with opioids, which have a higher risk and can cause addiction more quickly than others. Attempts to stop drug use will typically be accompanied by intense cravings you feel physically ill as you experience withdrawal symptoms.

Possible indications to distinguish unhealthy drug or substance use are:
Changes in behavior; such as exaggerated efforts to be secretive or drastic changes in relationships and interactions with friends and family, frequently missing school or work, or a sudden disinterest activities or work. Physical health issues can include lack of energy or motivation, weight loss or gain

Being addicted to drugs or substances does not mean you lack moral principles or willpower, and many people cannot stop their substance use simply by choosing to. Addiction is a complex disease and quitting usually takes more than good-intentions and willpower. But with proper support and treatment, people can recover from addiction and lead healthy and productive lives.

Tips to cope with addiction and substance use disorder:

• Communicate with others and be honest about your addiction, this is an effective way to gain accountability and recognize the positives of life without using the substance.

• Keep a journal; monitoring your cravings and urges to use a substance can help you better understand possible triggers and allows you to see your progress.

• Avoid high-risk situations; recognize the people and situations that enabled or supported your substance use and separate yourself from them. This may mean that you cannot visit certain places or interact with certain people.

• Reach out to a medical professional for treatment options.

  • Continue to monitor yourself and adhere strictly to your treatment plans, even if it seems like you are getting better. Your chances of staying drug-free will be much higher if you continue to be intentional about your treatment.

• Get help immediately if you use the substance again.

  • Do not be too embarrassed, ashamed, or upset about your relapse to share the information with others.
    If you use the substance again, immediately tell a trusted adult, a medical professional, or your mental health professional who can give you support and help right away.