Substance use disorder (SUD)

A substance use disorder is when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a way that starts to disrupt their life. SUD is more than just experimenting with something or partying occasionally – it’s when someone is using or misusing so often that it begins to affect their health, relationships, school, or work. 

People with substance use disorder might feel like they want, and even need, the substance to get through the day or feel normal, and stopping can be difficult because their body and brain have started to rely on it.

Substance use at a young age increases the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder later as an adult. Substance use disorders in youth develop due to a combination of social and biological factors, such as peer influence, family environment, and genetics.

Additional risk factors

• Family history of substance use and genetics

• Favorable parental attitudes toward the behavior

• Peers who use substances

• Family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity

• Lack of school or community connectedness

• Low academic achievement

• Adverse childhood experiences and trauma

• Mental health issues

• Tendency for risk-taking and thrill-seeking behaviors

Recognizing a substance use disorder can be difficult

Signs to look for

  • If you notice that you’re using substances more often or in larger amounts than you originally planned, that can be a red flag.

  • If you find yourself skipping school, missing work, or letting chores pile up because you’re focused on using substances, these are signs that it might be taking over your life.

  • If you often think about using or feel like you can’t relax without it, those cravings can indicate that you’re starting to rely on the substance more than you should.

  • If you start lying about how much or how often you’re using, or if you’re trying to keep it a secret from friends and family, that’s a big sign that it’s becoming an issue.

  • If your substance use is causing problems, like fights with friends, partners, or family members, issues at school or work, or even health problems, it’s time to take a step back and think about how it’s affecting you.

  • If you notice that you feel uneasy, restless, or uncomfortable when you can’t use a substance, it can mean that your body and mind are starting to depend on it.

If you see any of these signs in yourself or a friend, it’s important to seek help. Reaching out to someone you trust – like a friend, family member, religious/spiritual leader, community hotline, teacher, or counselor – can help you figure things out. You don’t have to go through it alone, and so many people and organizations are ready to support you. There’s no shame in asking for help!

Get help