The Signs of Substance Use Disorder Explained

Learn to identify key signs of substance use disorder, including physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms, to help yourself or a loved one heal.

What Is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance misuse, you’re not alone. In 2023 alone, approximately 16.7% of Americans 12 and older—48.5 million individuals—struggled with substance addiction.

Understanding the signs and knowing when to seek help can make all the difference.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition that affects a person’s ability to control their use of drugs or alcohol, despite negative consequences.

The Need for Early Treatment

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 21 million Americans struggle with at least one substance use disorder, yet only about 10% receive treatment.¹

Early identification and intervention are key to managing the signs of substance use disorder. Recognizing the problem early can also reduce the risk of long-term physical and neurological damage.

Longview Recovery’s Commitment to You

Our caring team at Longview Recovery can help you learn about the signs of substance use disorder, along with ensuring you receive the proper treatment to facilitate long-term healing and recovery.

Understanding the Signs of SUD

Recognizing the signs of substance use disorder can be the first step toward getting help. While symptoms vary, they often affect physical health, behavior, and emotional well-being.²

Physical Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Physical signs of SUD can manifest in a variety of noticeable ways. Individuals may experience unexplained weight fluctuations, often accompanied by a decline in personal hygiene and appearance.

Changes in the eyes, such as a bloodshot or glassy appearance with dilated or pinpoint pupils, are also common indicators. Speech patterns may even become slurred or incoherent.

Other physical symptoms can include tremors or unsteady movements and significant changes in sleep patterns.

Behavioral Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Behavioral changes often accompany SUDs, revealing a pattern of disruption in daily life. Individuals may withdraw from family and friends, isolating themselves. A noticeable loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies can also occur, as passions and past interests are abandoned.

Evasiveness about whereabouts or activities becomes common, with vague answers and avoidance of direct questions. Additionally, work, school, and other important responsibilities are often neglected.

Unexplained financial problems, increased secrecy around personal belongings, and risk-taking behavior become more prevalent.

Psychological Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Psychological signs of substance use disorder can manifest as significant shifts in emotional and cognitive states. Increased anxiety and restlessness, characterized by an inability to relax and a constant sense of being on edge, are both common indicators.

Sudden mood swings, marked by extreme highs and lows, can further destabilize relationships. Depression or prolonged sadness, accompanied by a loss of motivation and feelings of hopelessness, may also develop.

In severe cases, hallucinations or delusions may occur, leading to distorted perceptions of reality.

Tolerance and Dependence

Over time, the body requires larger amounts of a substance to feel the same effects. If use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms – such as nausea, sweating, shaking, or insomnia – can set in, signaling physical dependence.

Understanding these indicators early can make it easier to seek treatment before the condition worsens.

The Impact on Mental Health

Over time, substances will change the brain’s natural chemistry, disrupting mood regulation and cognitive function.³

This often leads to:

Severe mood swings: Mood can shift between euphoria, irritability, and sadness.
Increased anxiety: This includes feeling on edge, overly worried, or panicked.
Depression: Persistent feelings of emptiness or emotional numbness.
Cognitive issues: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and poor decision-making.

As substance use progresses, the brain becomes less capable of producing feel-good chemicals naturally. This is one of the more serious signs of substance use disorder, as individuals may struggle to feel normal or happy without resorting to unhealthy behavior.

The Role of Trauma on Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

There is often a strong connection between trauma and the signs of substance use disorder. Some common underlying conditions that may indicate an individual turning to substance use include:

PTSD that is often linked to childhood trauma, abuse, or life-threatening events.
Bipolar disorder where substance use may be an attempt to stabilize extreme mood shifts.
Severe anxiety in which substances may be used to ease chronic nervousness or fear.
Depressive disorders caused by some individuals self-medicating to feel temporary relief.

Without addressing these root causes, substance use can become a form of self-medication, reinforcing the cycle of dependency.

Denial and Guilt in SUD

Many individuals try to convince themselves that they don’t have a problem, blaming stress, personal struggles, or bad luck instead. This mindset can delay treatment and deepen the disorder.

Individuals may:

Feel ashamed of their behavior but struggle to stop
Push loved ones away out of embarrassment or fear of judgment
Experience self-blame for past actions or failures caused by substance use
Avoid asking for help due to fear of stigma

These burdens can make it even harder to seek treatment but recognizing them is a crucial step in breaking free from the signs of substance use disorder.

At Longview Recovery, we understand that healing involves more than simply curing symptoms – it requires addressing the emotional and psychological battles that come with it.

How SUD Affects Relationships and Daily Life

The signs of substance use disorder don’t just impact the individual – they ripple through every aspect of life, including relationships, family dynamics, and daily responsibilities.

Strain on Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics

Substance use often leads to tension between loved ones. Family members may feel frustrated, worried, or betrayed, while the individual struggling with substance use disorder may withdraw or act out.

Common relationship struggles include:

A loss of trust caused by broken promises, secrecy, or dishonesty.
Frequent arguments centered around substance use, finances, or neglect of responsibilities.
Emotional distance that leads to avoiding deep conversations, isolating from family and friends.
Codependency stemming from family members enabling the behavior, often unintentionally.
Strained parenting that causes difficulty being present, emotionally available, or responsible for children.

As these patterns continue, family dynamics can become dysfunctional, leaving both the individual and their loved ones feeling disconnected and overwhelmed.

Signs of Isolation, Conflict, and Dysfunction

One of the more concerning signs of SUD is a shift in social behavior. Individuals may start avoiding those who express concern. They may prefer to spend time alone or with others who reinforce their substance use.

Warning signs include:

Pulling away from close relationships
Increased conflict with friends and family
Neglecting communication
Losing interest in meaningful connections

Difficulty Maintaining Daily Responsibilities

When substance use takes control, everyday life becomes increasingly unmanageable.

Individuals struggling with the signs of substance use disorder may find it difficult to:

Keep up with work or school
Follow through on commitments
Maintain personal hygiene and self-care
Handle financial obligations

These disruptions can create a cycle of stress and instability, making recovery feel even more out of reach. Recognizing these struggles is an important step toward regaining control and rebuilding a healthier, more stable life.

How Do Co-Occurring Disorders Affect Treatment?

SUD rarely exists in isolation. Many individuals who experience the signs of substance use disorder also struggle with mental health conditions.

This overlap, known as co-occurring disorders, makes recovery more complex and requires a treatment approach that addresses both issues together.

Common Mental Health Disorders Linked to SUD

Certain mental health conditions frequently coexist with substance use disorder, often influencing or worsening each other.

Some of the most common include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic worry and tension can lead individuals to rely on substances for temporary relief.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or numbness may drive substance use as a form of self-medication.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Past trauma can trigger substance use as a way to cope with intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and emotional distress.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive thoughts or compulsions may become more difficult to manage, leading to increased substance use.
Personality Disorders: Conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD) are often linked to impulsive behaviors, including substance use.

These conditions can worsen over time if both the signs of substance use disorder and mental health symptoms are left untreated.

Why Treating Both Conditions Together Matters

Without proper dual diagnosis care, treating one issue while ignoring the other may lead to relapse or worsening symptoms.

A comprehensive treatment plan should:

Identify the root causes of both conditions to understand how they interact.
Provide therapy that addresses both mental health and substance use, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed care.
Utilize medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, ensuring safe and effective management of withdrawal and mental health symptoms.
Teach coping strategies to replace substance use with healthier ways to manage emotions and stress.

How SUD Complicates Mental Health Treatment

Even though dual diagnosis care is imperative for holistic healing, it can still complicate the treatment process.

Some key difficulties that occur when trying to treat co-occurring disorders include:⁴

Substance use interfering with psychiatric medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing dangerous interactions.
Increased emotional instability, making it harder to regulate moods and impulses.
Difficulty engaging in therapy, as cognitive impairment from substances can hinder progress.
Greater risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, particularly in those with depression or PTSD.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options at Longview Recovery

At Longview Recovery, treatment is designed to address the signs of substance use disorder while considering each person’s unique needs. We provide a range of programs to ensure individuals receive the right level of care for their situation.

Some treatment options we provide include:

Levels of Care

Within Longview Recovery, there are many different options for treatment. We believe that each individual should have a personalized program fitting to their individual needs and goals.

Some of our treatment options include:

Medical Detox & Sub-Acute Detox: This provides a safe environment for withdrawal management with medical supervision.
Inpatient Treatment: This is a structured residential program offering 24/7 care, therapy, and skill-building.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This is a step down from inpatient care, providing intensive treatment during the day with the ability to return home in the evenings.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): This is a flexible program that allows individuals to continue treatment while balancing work or family life.

Ultimately, by offering a spectrum of tailored treatment options, Longview Recovery ensures that individuals can find the appropriate level of care to support their unique journey toward lasting recovery.

Comprehensive, Individualized Treatment

Every recovery journey is different, which is why Longview Recovery creates individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs.

Treatment may include:

Medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
One-on-one and group therapy to address emotional and behavioral patterns.
Holistic care such as mindfulness and outdoor activities to support overall well-being.

The Role of Family and Community Support

Addiction affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy helps rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Additionally, community support groups provide ongoing encouragement, helping individuals stay connected and accountable in their recovery journey.

Longview Recovery offers a safe, supportive environment where individuals can find the care they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Find Hope in Recovery at Longview Recovery

Recognizing the signs of substance use disorder marks the critical first step on the path to recovery, a journey where lasting change is not only possible but attainable.

At Longview Recovery, we understand that overcoming SUD requires comprehensive care, which is why we offer a diverse range of evidence-based programs.

Our approach is designed to empower individuals to regain control of their lives, fostering holistic healing that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction. We believe in providing the tools and support necessary for individuals to build a foundation for long-term sobriety.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

If you or a loved one is grappling with the challenges of SUD, we urge you to take the courageous step of seeking help. You are capable and deserving of a happy, healthy tomorrow.

Contact Longview Recovery today to explore our tailored detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment options. We are here to guide you, providing compassionate care and expert support as you embark on a transformative recovery journey, where hope and healing begin.

Resources

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Substance Abuse Prevention: Proven Strategies to Reduce Risk and Build Resilience

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The Role of Mental Health Group Therapy in Recovery

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