Symptoms
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) involve a combination of the following symptoms. Severity is determined based on the number of symptoms an individual possesses.
  1. Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you're meant to.
  2. Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to.
  3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
  4. Cravings and urges to use the substance.
  5. Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
  6. Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
  7. Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
  8. Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
  9. Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
  10. Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
  11. Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

Opioid Users
Naloxone, and the brand-name version, Narcan, are both used to rapidly reverse the symptoms of a deadly opioid overdose. If you are an opioid user, especially if you use frequently or alone, please consider keeping Narcan on hand. With minimal training, family members or concerned bystanders can safely administer these lifesaving drugs. To learn more about where to find Naloxone, check out this link.