Using substances is commonly accepted in various contexts and social settings. Occasion substance use may not be the end of the world, but how do you know when your substance use turns into abuse?

There is often a fine line between these two stages. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to recognize the onset of substance use disorder (SUD). Because this disorder forms over time, its onset can easily go unnoticed.

Understanding the differences between substance use and substance abuse can help you determine when you should be concerned.

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

If you choose to engage with the use of substances at any point in your life, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the onset of SUD. Recognizing these symptoms can help you understand when you are crossing this threshold.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is essential to be mindful of your usage.

Physical Signs

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dilatated or constricted pupils
  • Alteration in sleep patterns
  • Change in appetite
  • Sudden weight change
  • Deterioration of physical appearance
  • Unusual odors
  • Tremors
  • Impaired Speech

Behavioral Signs

  • Suspicious or secretive actions
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Quitting enjoyable activities
  • Sudden need for financial assistance
  • Sudden change in friend groups
  • Struggle to maintain relationships
  • Loss of control over actions
  • Increased tolerance levels

Psychological Signs

  • Appearing anxious or paranoid
  • Lack of motivation
  • Mood swings
  • Increased energy for short periods
  • Increased irritability
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Sudden change in personality or attitudes

Using substances will likely lead you to encounter some form of these signs and symptoms. However, if multiple signs apply or you notice new symptoms appearing, your substance use may be increasing in severity. The more these signs apply, the more likely you are dealing with substance abuse. 

When Is the Line Crossed?

When people are using substances, they often go through the following progressive stages: use, misuse, abuse, and disorder. Once you reach the stages of abuse and disorder, you have various neural pathways that are set in your reward system to reinforce the action of substance use. It is essential to seek recovery help at this point. Determining which stage you are in is not always easy. However, the following definitions may help.

Use, Misuse, and Abuse

Substance use is defined as the simple act of using a substance. In the United States, a total of 61 million people admitted to binge drinking during the year, and 44 million admitted to using an illicit drug or substance that was not prescribed to them during the year.

Substance misuse involves substances being used in situations that are deemed to be inappropriate or used in excessive amounts. Misuse on a somewhat regular basis describes substance abuse.

Determining Your Stage

To determine what stage applies to you, consider the severity of the substances you use, the amount you are using, your frequency of use, and the situations in which you allow yourself to engage in substance use. Consider the effects substance use has had on your relationships, schooling or work, finances, and mental health. If you find that your actions in using a substance become problematic to yourself or others, you may want to get a professional’s opinion. It is necessary to take appropriate action when any of these signs become prominent.

Pinpointing when this line is crossed requires more than knowledge of the effects of different substances. You have to be aware of the effects on your health and lifestyle as a whole. Many individuals are knowledgeable about the momentary effects but don’t understand the long-term health effects involved.

Diagnosing a Disorder

Once you reach the point of abusing a substance, you may be near the onset of having a substance use disorder. SUDs are diagnosed by obtaining two or more of the following DSM-5 criteria:

  • Spending a significant amount of time using
  • Experiencing withdrawal
  • Developing a tolerance
  • Having used in hazardous situations
  • Having used large amounts repeatedly
  • Neglecting major responsibilities
  • Giving up on activities
  • Encountering legal problems
  • Experiencing social or interpersonal problems
  • Experiencing physical or psychological problems

As you can see, these criteria are a condensed version of the signs and symptoms. This similarity expresses the importance of paying attention to potential signs and symptoms. As there only needs to be two of these signs present, the line between use and abuse may approach quicker than you realize.

The Danger of Substance Abuse

There are many dangers involved with each of these signs and symptoms. Through many of the behavioral symptoms, such as irritability or outbursts of anger, you may find that you have rash reactions toward others. These actions can impact the relationships in your life and hurt others and yourself. By engaging in these actions, you open the potential of ruining friendships and relationships, putting others in harm’s way, and treating others unfairly. Being aware of the onset of these characteristics and seeking help when needed can help you protect your relationships, your health, and your ability to succeed at school or work.

It can be difficult to recognize when your substance use becomes dangerous and crosses the line into substance abuse. Understanding the signs and symptoms from a behavioral, physical, and psychological standpoint can help you realize when that line is crossed. Knowing these signs, you can further understand the potential for diagnosis of substance use disorder. If you notice any of these signs arising, it is important to seek help immediately. There are many dangers involved with substance abuse, but they should be addressed as soon as possible. Fortunately, many resources are available to help you recognize substance use disorder and to recover. Dream Recovery is here to help you if you discover that you are struggling with these signs and symptoms. To learn more about determining when you have crossed the line from use to abuse, reach out to Dream Recovery at (949) 732-1960.

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