Substance abuse is nothing new to a large majority of us. Whether we’ve experienced it firsthand, seen someone going through it or have simply watched it play out on TV, we’ve become accustomed to its existence. When something like substance abuse becomes normalized, it can lose the importance it once carried. At the end of the day, substance abuse is indeed a disorder known as Substance Use Disorder or SUD.
When an individual is diagnosed with SUD, it means their mind is almost always focused on obtaining and using substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Much like addiction, SUD can make an individual ignore all of the negative impacts a substance has on them as all other responsibilities, wants and needs fall to the side in pursuit of more substances to use.
What Substances Attract Those With SUD?
Unfortunately, the most addictive substances for any substance user are the same ones that someone with SUD can develop an uncontrollable addiction for which makes them substantially more likely to become addicted than the average use. The most common substances those with SUD get addicted to are:
- Pain killers
- Opioids
- Prescription anxiety medication
- Cocaine
- Tobacco
- Methamphetamine
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
When it comes to SUD, it’s not just substances that can be abused or form addictions. Gambling and gaming are both two very addictive hobbies that many don’t see a problem with until it’s impacting their life in a substantial way. Even then, addiction can make the red flags look grey, lowering the awareness of the individual.
Why does SUD cover so many different forms of addiction? It’s due to the core factors that drive someone to use a substance for the first time. Typically a substance will be used to feel good, feel better, do better or out of curiosity and peer pressure. For someone with SUD, just one of these reasons can be enough for them to dedicate all of their time, energy and money into substance use.
Is SUD the Same as Addiction?
Take a step back and the two terms may seem like they mean the same thing, and you’d be partially right! They both address the same system of substance abuse and the development of dependencies, just from different perspectives.
Addiction is the extreme side of the SUD spectrum, where mental and physical dependencies are unable to be ignored by the user leading to an endless cycle of substance use, withdrawal symptoms once sober and then more substance use to stave off the withdrawal symptoms.
When the term SUD is used, it can mean any level of using a substance in a manner it shouldn’t be. While substance abuse can lead to addiction, it isn’t always the case and often times an early detection of SUD or substance abuse can help individuals avoid total addiction when help is found sooner than later.
Individuals with substance abuse concerns can always be helped, no matter where on the spectrum of severity they are. Our team at America’s Rehab Campuses is always standing by to help new visitors understand what help is available and how the process takes place, all in a private consultation with no commitment to start treatment unless it’s the exact right fit for you.
