Substance use disorder is a category of diseases in which a person has an inability to control their use of substances, either legal or illegal, despite the harm that the use causes in a person’s life. This harm might come from the phisological effects of the substance, behaviors a person performs while under the influence of substances, or behaviors that a person performs to obtain the substances. Over time, people may develop a tolerance of the substances, leading them to taking greater and greater amounts, and sometimes withdrawal effects. This disorder can cause significant impairment to a person’s physical health, mental well-being, relationships, employment, and overall quaility of life. Treatment for substance use disorder often involves a combination of behavioral therapy, support groups, and medications.
