Do you have a substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is the new terminology for drug addiction or alcoholism. Whatever we call it, the problem’s the same.  No one wants to admit they have a problem, but everyone who has a problem usually knows deep inside they have a problem, or that something’s wrong and it has to do with a drug or a combination of drugs. Most people think of extreme examples when they think about a drug problem — the heroin addict in a dirty room shooting heroin in her arms, the alcoholic with a bottle of wine passed out on a park bench, someone skinny and manic smoking crack all night in a crack house, a meth addict with rotting teeth and bad skin, out of his mind and violent. No one is born in this condition, it’s progressive, and not all people with substance use disorders reach these extremes, but the problem always gradually gets worse the longer a person uses without seeking help. Below is a list of symptoms. You don’t have to have all these symptoms to have a problem — if you experience a few of these symptoms, you need to speak with a professional who understands addiction.

Symptoms

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
• Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug