January 11, 2024
By Lisa Ryan; reviewed for medical accuracy by Barbara Schindler, MD, Vice Dean Emerita, professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and medical director, Caring Together Program
Whether you’re considering Dry January or cutting back unhealthy habits in the New Year, assessing whether your substance use is a problem is an important first step.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic illnesses that cause you to keep using alcohol or drugs even though your substance use is having negative consequences. You may have mental or physical health effects from trying to stop using these substances without the help of a medical professional.
SUDs, like any other illness such as diabetes or hypertension, are not caused by a failing on your part and should not be shameful. If you are concerned you may have a SUD, below are some important warning signs:
Using the substance has great importance
How important has using a specific substance or substances become to your sense of self? If substance use is a major part of how you live your life and is a high-priority part of your day or week, that is a warning sign of SUD.
You experience a reward response
Does substance use make you feel better mentally or physically? Does it help you to feel more in control or decrease physical or emotional pain? It is also important to look at whether not using the specific substance(s) makes you feel worse, either emotionally or physically.
These are two important questions to ask. This is because in SUDs, the positive physical effects of substance use can make it harder for you to notice or accept the negative consequences.
Using more of the substance(s) more often
In SUDs, you develop a tolerance over time to the substance(s) you use. This can mean you will need more of the same substance to feel the effects than you did when you began using it.
It is also important to consider if you are using substance(s) more often than before, or for longer periods of time than you originally planned. If you use the substance(s) and then say to yourself you’ll have “just a little bit more,” that can be a sign of dependency.
It becomes emotionally painful to stop using the substance(s)
Do you feel anxious or uncomfortable if you cannot use substance(s), or if you just think about quitting? Your emotional and physical response can give you a lot of information. The higher the level of anxiety and pain you feel at the prospect of quitting substance(s), the stronger the hold they have on you may be.
Substance use is having negative effects on your life and relationships
Consider if you are having more conflicts with family or friends due to your substance use. It is also important to acknowledge any legal or financial trouble from your substance use. Finally, consider if you are missing out on or performing less well than before in your job or in your hobbies, either because of substance use or the time spent recovering from it (ex. managing a hangover).
SUDs are treatable illnesses. Treatment may include medication, counseling, or joining a recovery group, among other options. Our Drexel Medicine, Caring Together, Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice, and Drexel HOPE programs can help you address signs of SUDs and provide appropriate referrals.
Resources for substance use: