Substance use: Symptoms and risk factors

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Regardless of what substance is used, substance use disorders are treatable, just like other chronic illnesses. Treatment is very effective for most patients and can involve medication and psychosocial support including counselling and therapy.

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If the substance you’re using is causing significant problems in your life and has negative effects on your health and despite that, you continue to use it, then you might have a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders are diagnosed based on the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria which include:

• Negative effect on social functioning, including relationships, conflict with others
• Not meeting life responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Negative effects on physical or psychological health
• Using more of the substance, for longer periods of time, or more frequently
• Spending a lot of time using or sourcing the substance
• Using unsafely such as driving under influence, experiencing a black out or overdose
• Not being able to stop or cut back despite trying
• Avoiding or giving up activities to take the substance
• Cravings including constantly thinking about the substance even if not using
• Tolerance needing to take more to feel the same effect
• Withdrawal when the drug is stopped or reduced, including psychological and physical symptoms

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Substance use disorders often occur due to circumstances beyond one’s control. Predisposing factors play a role in developing problematic substance use and they need to be taken into account when considering treatment options. Some of the main risk factors include history of mental illness, history of trauma, family history of substance use disorders, personal history of substance use and cultural factors – for example when the use of a substance is socially accepted.

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The most common cause of opioid addiction in women is valid medical use of a pain drug. Most women who become addicted to opioids are taking legitimate prescriptions from a doctor for a chronic pain condition.

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Many people feel shame and guilt related to their substance use and they suffer in silence instead of getting help. But it’s important to know that addiction is not a moral failing. It is a complex chronic condition that requires a range of strategies to combat, much like any other chronic condition such as hypertension or diabetes.