Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a problematic pattern of substance use that affects your health and well-being. Some of the most common substances include alcohol, opioids and marijuana. It can range from mild to severe (addiction). SUD is a treatable mental health condition. Help is available when you’re ready.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of substance use disorder?
The symptoms and effects of substance use disorder vary based on the type of substance you use. There are two groups of symptoms based on when or if the substance is in your body. These include
Intoxication: This is the immediate and short-term effect of a substance in your body. Symptoms include feeling sleepy, calm, excited, intense emotions, etc. The substance can also affect your judgment and decision-making or physical and mental functioning.
Withdrawal: These are symptoms that happen when the short-term effects of a substance wear off and the substance starts to leave your body. Symptoms are unpleasant and could include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, difficulty sleeping, muscle cramping and mood changes.
SUD therapy
Assertive community treatment (ACT): ACT provides mental health services in a community setting rather than a residential or hospital setting. ACT is highly individualized. Your treatment plan will focus on your strengths, needs and goals for the future.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of talk therapy similar to CBT. It’s designed to help you manage intense emotions and understand how your thoughts influence your behaviors.
Therapeutic communities (TCs): A TC is a long-term residential treatment that focuses on helping you develop new, healthier values and behaviors related to substance use and other co-occurring mental health conditions.
