Substance Abuse Disorder
UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable medical condition that affects the brain and behavior, leading to difficulty controlling substance use despite harmful consequences. Recovery is possible, and millions of people achieve and maintain it.
Signs of Substance Use Disorder
Using more or for longer than intended
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit
Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances
Cravings or strong urges to use
Continued use despite problems in relationships, work, or health
Giving up important activities because of use
Using in dangerous situations
Developing tolerance (needing more for same effect)
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Recovery Strategies
Build Your Support Network
Attend support groups (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery)
Connect with a sponsor or recovery coach
Involve supportive family and friends
Participate in peer support programs
Identify and Avoid Triggers
People, places, or things associated with substance use
Stressful situations or negative emotions
Social pressure or certain environments
Create a plan for handling high-risk situations
Develop Healthy Coping Skills
Practice stress management (deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness)
Exercise regularly to improve mood and reduce cravings
Engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy
Use distraction techniques when cravings hit
Create Structure and Routine
Maintain regular sleep/wake times
Plan daily activities and set achievable goals
Fill your time with meaningful activities
Establish healthy eating habits
Manage Cravings
Remember: cravings are temporary and will pass
Use the HALT check: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?
Call someone from your support network
Engage in physical activity or a distracting activity
Practice urge surfing—ride out the craving without acting on it
Make Environmental Changes
Remove substances and paraphernalia from your home
Change phone numbers or contacts that trigger use
Find new, sober activities and social circles
Avoid bars, clubs, or other high-risk locations
Treatment Options
Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, contingency management, family therapy
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) combined with counseling for opioid or alcohol use disorder
Support Groups: 12-step programs (AA, NA), SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and other peer-led groups
Residential/Inpatient Treatment: Intensive structured programs for focused recovery
Outpatient Programs: Flexible treatment while living at home (IOP, PHP)
Detoxification: Medically supervised withdrawal management when needed
Working with Your Treatment Team
Be honest about your substance use and struggles
Attend all scheduled appointments
Follow medication protocols if prescribed
Communicate about cravings or relapse risk
Participate actively in therapy and groups
Develop a relapse prevention plan together
Warning Signs of Relapse
Contact your provider if you notice:
Increased cravings or thinking about using
Reconnecting with people who use substances
Isolating from support network
Skipping meetings or appointments
Romanticizing past use (“it wasn’t that bad”)
Increased stress without healthy coping
Stopping medications or treatment
Resources
Crisis/Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Overdose: Call 911 immediately
AA: aa.org
NA: na.org
SMART Recovery: smartrecovery.org
This tip sheet is for educational purposes. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific treatment plan.