Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance use disorder (SUD) is when substance use causes distress, affects overall health, and impairs daily life, including relationships. SUD exists on a spectrum from mild to  severe. It typically involves an overpowering desire to use the substance, increased tolerance to the substance, and/or withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop. A person can have more than one substance use disorder at a time, such as alcohol and cocaine use disorders. SUD can be avoidance behavior as a result of trauma, mental illness, and sensory overload, among others.