What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a condition where a person is unable to control their use of drugs or alcohol, despite negative consequences. It can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it hard to stop using substances even when they want to.

Key points about SUD include:

Causes: Factors can include genetics, environment, mental health issues, and stress.
Signs: Common signs include cravings, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and neglecting responsibilities.
Impact: SUD can harm relationships, work, and health.
Treatment: Options include therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Recovery is often a long-term process.

Recognizing SUD early can lead to better outcomes and a healthier life.

Substance Types

Opioids

Opioids: Natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic substances that reduce the feelings of all types of pain including physical, emotional and psychological. This includes: heroin, fentanyl and prescribed pain medications such as oxycodone, Oxycontin, Percocet, hydrocodone, Vicodin.
- Fentanyl: Highly-potent, fast acting synthetic opioid 50-100X more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is used for treating severe pain.
- Illicit fentanyl has been added to the illicit drug supply, this includes cocaine, crack, meth, heroin, MDMA.
- There has been no conclusive evidence that fentanyl is added to marijuana. Obtain Fentanyl Test Strips For more information on Fentanyl.

Depressants

Depressants are used for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress and sleep disorders. Depressants slow breathing, lower blood pressure, decrease motor function and induce sleep. Depressants include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics (xylazine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, Valium and Xanex)
- Medetomidine is a powerful animal tranquilizer, which has been increasingly found in illicit drugs: Medetomidine Rapidly Proliferating Across USA — Implicated In Recreational Opioid Drug Supply & Causing Overdose Outbreaks
- Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer, also called “tranq” or “tranq dope” and is a non-opioid sedative not approved for use in people. Xylazine is typically found in combination with other drugs such as fentanyl. Xylazine is added to opioids to increase the potency of the opioid and to act as a filler. Click Here to Obtain Xylazine Test Strips For more information on Xylazine, click here.

Stimulants

Cocaine- A powerful addictive stimulant that looks like a fine, white, crystal powder and is often snorted or injected. Cocaine is often laced with various chemical and other drugs such a fentanyl and xylazine. Click Here to Obtain Test Strips
Crack – Highly addictive and looks like, white or off-white chunks or rocks and is typically smoked. Signs of abuse include nervous behavior, restlessness, bloody noses, and erratic, high energy.
Methamphetamine – A powerful stimulant that is found in the form of white or slightly yellow crystal-like powder, or large rock-like chunks. It can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed to experience its effects. Signs of abuse include nervous physical activity, scabs and open sores, decreased appetite, and insomnia.

Nicotine

Nicotine – A highly addictive substance found in all tobacco products including e-cigarettes and vapes. When used during adolescence, nicotine can change the way the brain develops.
Vapes and E-Cigarettes – Contain high concentrations of nicotine. This makes users vulnerable to becoming addicted very quickly. Many people do not realize the product they are using has nicotine in it.
E-Liquids – The liquids intended for vapes or e-cigarettes. These come in a variety of sweet and fruity flavors, which are especially appealing to kids. The flavors may give the impression the products are harmless. Some brands even advertise themselves as being “safer” or “healthy”; all claims that are totally unsubstantiated.

Alcohol

Alcohol slows down brain function, which impairs judgment and coordination. Excessive alcohol consumption can have harmful effects the heart and liver as well as mental health conditions. Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly if not done under medical supervision.

Cannabis/ Marijuana

Marijuana is typically smoked, vaped or eaten in edible form. Signs of abuse commonly include slowed thinking, delayed reaction time, impaired coordination, and paranoia. According to the CDC, Cannabis-involved emergency department (ED) visits increased for youths aged 0–14 years before 2019, as cannabis legalization expanded across the United States. Make sure to safely store marijuana, especially edibles such as gummies or candy.

Inhalants

Paint thinners, glues, nail polish remover, whipped cream aerosol, air conditioner fluid, and many other substances. As the name suggests, they are inhaled in order to experience their effects. Signs of abuse include missing household cleaning products, and a drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance.