Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Addiction:
SUD is a catch-all name for the various psychoactive substances which, with recurrent use, such as of alcohol and/or drugs, causes functionally and clinically significant impairments. The most common substance use disorders are related to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis (marijuana), stimulants, and opioids. SUD is often diagnosed in varying degrees of mild, moderate, or severe, with addiction being severe SUD. This complex disease involves compulsive substance use and those with addiction develop an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), causing dangerous changes to brain chemistry and functioning. With addiction, individuals eventually need more amounts of the substance or drug in order to feel the desired effects. SUDs vary in their exact symptoms and effects, especially with use over time, and many people experience mental health conditions alongside SUD, either potentially triggering or exacerbating the other. Recognition of SUD or addiction is the first step in recovery, and further treatment will vary depending on the individual.