Substance use disorder is a repeated pattern of substance use that can result in clinically significant impairment or distress. The following symptoms and behaviours may be present: –  You may be taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than indicated.

        – You can develop strong cravings and find it hard to cut down or stop using the substance                  even though you want to.

         –    A great deal of time can be spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance.

–    There can be physically hazardous side effects.

– Tolerance and withdrawal may develop. Tolerance is present when you have to use more and more of the substance over time to achieve a particular ‘high’. Withdrawal is a set of unpleasant physical symptoms that are the opposite of the effects of the drug and appear when use of the drug is suddenly stopped.

– You may continue to use, even when it causes problems in relationships, socially, occupationally, and even when it puts you in danger. Recurrent use can result in a failure to fulfil major roles and recurrent social or interpersonal problems.

Substance use disorder can put you at risk of developing mental health conditions or make existing mental health conditions much worse.
Substance use disorders may be due to the use of any of the separate classes of drugs; alcohol; caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; stimulants (including amphetamine-type substances and cocaine); tobacco; and other or unknown substances.

Treatment:
You may want to think about seeking advice if you identify with any of the above behaviours or problems, or if you experience negative effects when you stop. Substance use disorders are treated like any chronic disease that may be managed or go into remission but with a chance that relapse may occur. A range of care with a tailored treatment programme and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment methods include the following: medication (especially for the initial detoxification stage of illness),  behavioural and psychological counselling, family therapy, support groups (Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous),
treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and long-term follow-up to prevent relapse.