Substance use disorder

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Substance use disorder (also known as SUD, and drug addiction) is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. The reason people may misuse or become addicted to drugs is due to a combination of psychological, biological, socio-cultural, and environmental factors.

Components of addiction

Addiction is caused by a multitude of factors. These components are often interconnected, such as the strong connections between tolerance and withdrawal, or between reward and craving.

Tolerance

Tolerance (also known as dependence) occurs when a substance produces alterations in brain chemistry or function. The body then depends on the substance for stability or certain functions where discontinuation of the drug could result in withdrawal effects.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal occurs upon the discontinuation or decrease in one's intake of a substance, commonly when a user has already built up a tolerance. The effects from withdrawal may cause unpleasant bodily or psychological effects that often encourages a user to seek out and take the substance causing them these effects.

Adverse consequences

People who have SUD can experience either harmful health effects, social issues, or both. Health is impacted through the negative effects of overdoses or the typical negative effects from taking a drug too often or for too long. Social life can be impacted by legal issues or strained interpersonal relationships.