 -Kirk Tjalas, F.N.P.
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Substance use disorders (SUD) are recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a serious type of mental health disorder. Over time, SUD can affect every aspect of a person’s mental, physical, social, and emotional health. In this guide, we’ll explore what substance use disorder is, how it differs from substance abuse, and its close connection with other mental health conditions.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
The DSM defines substance use disorder as a pattern of substance use that disrupts daily life and causes significant distress. People with SUD often face challenges not only in their mental and physical health but also in their professional, social, and personal lives. The disorder can lead to complications like strained relationships, academic or work difficulties, legal issues, and financial struggles.
While many people with SUD want to stop using, the addictive nature of substances often makes quitting difficult without help. Frequent cravings and urges are common, and attempts to stop may result in moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms that require medical support.
Difference Between Substance Abuse and Substance Use Disorder
In the past, the term “substance abuse” was commonly used to describe problematic drug or alcohol use. However, with the release of the DSM-5 in 2015, the terminology shifted to “substance use disorder.” This change aimed to reflect a more accurate understanding of the condition, acknowledging it as a mental health disorder rather than an “abuse” issue, which carries stigmatizing implications.
The term “abuse” is often associated with physical or emotional abuse, which can lead to misunderstandings. SUD is a recognized medical and mental health condition, and updating the terminology helps reduce stigma and provides a more compassionate framework for addressing addiction.
The Connection Between Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health
Mental health and SUD are closely intertwined. Someone with SUD already meets criteria for one mental health disorder, and it’s common for individuals with SUD to experience additional mental health challenges. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur with SUD, often complicating the recovery process.
For some, SUD may develop as an attempt to self-medicate underlying mental health symptoms, such as those from depression or anxiety. However, SUD can also trigger or exacerbate these conditions, creating a challenging cycle that makes it harder to manage either issue.
A condition is called “co-occurring” when it exists alongside another medical or mental health condition. Treating co-occurring conditions simultaneously is essential, as untreated mental health symptoms can lead to relapse following rehab. For instance, untreated depression can trigger cravings for substances if the individual feels overwhelmed by sadness or hopelessness.
Physical Health and Substance Use Disorders
Many people develop substance use problems as a result of physical health conditions. Opioid addiction, for instance, is often linked to prescriptions for pain relief following an injury or surgery. Over time, the body can develop a dependency on these medications, making it difficult to stop without professional intervention.
Moving Towards a Healthier Future
Substance use disorder can impact every facet of a person’s life, from physical health to relationships and mental well-being. Seeking help is a significant first step toward recovery and a better quality of life.
If you or a loved one is ready to begin a journey toward sobriety, comprehensive care that addresses both mental health and SUD is crucial. Treating all aspects of well-being at once reduces the likelihood of relapse and supports long-term recovery.
Get Help with Comprehensive Treatment
Recovery from SUD is possible with the right support and resources. For individuals ready to address both SUD and any co-occurring mental health conditions, reaching out to a behavioral health professional can make all the difference.
References:
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Volkow, N. D., & Koob, G. F. (2015). Brain disease model of addiction: Why is it so controversial? The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(8), 677-679. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00236-9
- SAMHSA. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
- Blanco, C., & Ali, M. M. (2019). Prevalence and correlates of co-occurring opioid use disorder and mental health disorders in the United States. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.18m12121
- Kelly, J. F., & Westerhoff, C. M. (2010). Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms. International Journal of Drug Policy, 21(3), 202-207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2009.10.010
FAQ:
| 1. What is the difference between substance abuse and substance use disorder? | Substance use disorder is a clinical diagnosis recognizing the condition as a mental health disorder, while “substance abuse” is outdated terminology that can carry stigma. |
| 2. Why is it important to treat co-occurring mental health issues with SUD? | Addressing both SUD and mental health conditions simultaneously helps prevent relapse and supports comprehensive recovery, as untreated mental health symptoms can trigger substance cravings. |
| 3. How can physical conditions lead to substance use disorder? | Certain physical conditions, like injuries requiring pain management, can lead to dependency on medications, such as opioids, which may evolve into a substance use disorder over time. |
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