Mental Health
Substance use disorders
Also known as: Addiction, Alcohol use disorder, Drug dependence
Substance use disorders condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Substance use disorders include harmful use and dependence. Alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and misused prescription drugs can be involved. Signs: using more than planned, wanting to stop but failing, spending lots of time, and continuing despite harm. Care includes counselling, medicines (for some), and community support. Suddenly stopping alcohol/benzodiazepines can be dangerous.
Symptoms
- Using more or longer than intended
- Strong craving
- Failing work or family duties
- Continuing despite health or legal problems
- Withdrawal (shaking, insomnia, anxiety)
- Needing higher amounts (tolerance)
Causes
Genetics, environment, stress, co-occurring mental illness, and drug availability. It is not only a “moral weakness”.
Treatment (general information)
Counselling (CBT, motivational therapy), support groups, medicines (e.g. for opioids or alcohol in some cases), and supervised withdrawal. Also treat co-occurring depression/anxiety.
Prevention
Education, reducing youth access, and treating mental health early. Families can seek help without shame.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for severe withdrawal, overdose, or thoughts of self-harm. Do not quit heavy alcohol alone without advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is willpower alone enough?
- For many people, professional support and sometimes medicines are needed.
- Does relapse mean failure?
- No—it is a common part of recovery; keep seeking help.