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Substance Use Disorder

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Co-occurring disorders refer to the situation where an individual has both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or others. This dual-diagnosis is extremely common and poses unique challenges that necessitate specialized treatment for lasting recovery.

Tolerance and withdrawal are key factors that drive the cycle of addiction, making it incredibly difficult for someone to quit using substances on their own. Understanding these concepts is vital for understanding the severity of substance use disorders and the importance of professional support for recovery.

Substance use disorders manifest in a variety of ways and can change throughout the course of the illness. Not everyone will experience every symptom, and recognizing even subtle changes from a person’s baseline behavior is vital. It’s important to remember that people with SUDs often go to great lengths to hide their substance use, so vigilance is necessary.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD), often referred to as addiction, is a complex medical condition. People with SUDs continue to use alcohol, drugs, or other substances even when that use causes significant problems in their lives. SUDs affect a person’s brain and behavior, making it extremely difficult to stop using, even with a strong desire to do so.