SUD exists on a spectrum and may be mild, moderate or severe. It typically involves an overpowering desire to use the substance, increased tolerance to the substance and/or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance. A person can have more than one substance use disorder at a time, such as alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
From a neurobiological perspective, substance abuse disorders affect the function of certain neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly the reward system, which can lead to a strong craving for a particular substance. In addition, stress, social environment and early onset of alcohol, opioid, or consumption of other substances, and various pre-existing mental illnesses, such as depression, can increase the risk of substance abuse and dependence.
Management of SUDs often involves psychological counseling, behavioral therapies, and / or medical intervention, to tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs.