How to Identify Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

• Criteria of Substance Use Disorder
  • Mild
  • Moderate
  • Severe
• Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
• Substance-Induced Conditions
  • Intoxication
  • Withdrawal
  • Additional Side-Effects
• Detox With Briarwood

How can you identify if someone is exhibiting signs of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)? Many people aren’t aware that addiction and substance use is a clinically diagnosable diseases. However, the criteria may not fit perfectly into an individual’s unique and personal experience.

Symptoms vary on a case-by-case basis, and an individual need not experience all symptoms to receive a diagnosis. In fact, the severity of Substance Use Disorder is scaled based on the number of symptoms an individual experiences. So let's discuss this scale, symptoms, and the contributing factors of this serious disorder.

The symptoms used to classify and diagnose Substance Use Disorder are as follows:

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1. The substance is ingested in larger doses or over extended lengths of time without intention.
2. Reducing or ending substance use is consistently unsuccessful or difficult.
3. A significant amount of time is spent engaging in activities to obtain the substance, ingest the substance, or recover from its effects.
4. Craving or an otherwise strong desire for substance use.
5. Recurring use of the substance is responsible for a decline in work performance, social/familial life, and/or maintenance of personal health.
6. Continuing substance use despite persistent confrontation from friends and family regarding substance use.
7. Important meetings or events are not given priority and/or hobbies are abandoned.
8. Substance usage to the point of serious health risk.
9. Persistent substance use despite the knowledge that it is contributing to psychological/health complications likely caused or exacerbated by substance use.
10. Tolerance is marked by a need to increase the dosage or a noticeable decrease in the effectiveness of the current dosage.
11. Continuing substance use to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.

If you resonated with two or more of any of the above symptoms, you may be experiencing Substance Use Disorder. Contact your doctor or a recovery center like Briarwood to discuss formal diagnosis and treatment options.

Briarwood Detox Center offers detox treatment for alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and much more. Our experienced clinical staff provides round-the-clock monitoring throughout the detox process and our therapy team provides support to help manage the emotional response to treatment. Additionally, we have detox facilities located in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs with state-of-the-art amenities.

Briarwood is dedicated to facilitating a healthy and safe environment that empowers people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives. We look forward to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 today for more information on our programs and admission process.

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