Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder, also called drug addiction, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations. For some people, the drug use becomes more frequent and for others, drug addiction begins when they take prescribed medicines or get them from others who have prescriptions.

As your drug use increases, attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill. These are called withdrawal symptoms. Addiction behaviors include a feeling to use the drug regularly, loss interest in responsibilities, cutting back on social or recreational activities. Help from your health care provider, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program can help you overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free.