The Signs That Suggest a Substance Use Disorder

Through its online curriculum, Rock Digi, Rock In Prevention teaches children in grades seven to 12 about substance use disorder. Rock In Prevention also provides tools to students, empowering them to get help for themselves or others when needed.

Substance use disorder occurs when an individual’s use of alcohol or drugs leads to significant mental and social impairments. For example, somebody with this condition may struggle to meet their daily responsibilities, resulting in the loss of friendships, jobs, and even family. Several signs suggest a person may have a substance use disorder.

Intense urges to take a particular substance is the clearest sign. In many, these urges become all-encompassing to the point where they can’t focus on anything else. It’s also common for people to feel that they need to take the substance several times per day to feel okay.

The development of a high tolerance level is also a sign that a person may have a substance use disorder. Tolerance leads to the individual increasing their intake over time, leading to higher exposure levels while building the person’s dependence on a substance.

Physical and cognitive issues resulting from withdrawal are also signs of a substance use disorder. For example, those with an issue related to alcohol may experience physical shakiness and cognitive fogginess if they go without a drink for several days.