We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Substance-Related Disorder?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,700
Share

A substance-related disorder is a medical condition related to the use of illegal or legal drugs. These disorders include abuse and dependency on drugs like cocaine, heroin, inhalants, alcohol, and nicotine. Treatment of substance-related disorders requires addressing the underlying dependency or abuse while also managing the disorder and stabilizing the patient. Some people appear to be at higher risk of developing medical problems while using drugs, and incidents in a family history can provide important information about the origins of a medical problem associated with drug use.

Patients with a substance abuse or dependence problem can experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop using the drug. It is also possible to develop issues like memory loss, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and depression while using drugs. Some patients have sleep disorders or sexual dysfunction. Because the use of drugs is the underlying cause, the issue is considered a substance-related disorder.

When a patient presents with a substance-related disorder, the doctor will collect a patient history to learn more about the drugs the patient takes and any attempts at quitting. The doctor will usually recommend drug rehabilitation therapy to help the patient get off the drugs, and will also provide treatment for the disorder. This can include talk therapy, medications, and other treatment options. Patients who quit using drugs should notice an improvement after they go through withdrawal.

Programs to assist drug users who want to quit and receive treatment for substance-related disorders is available in many nations. These programs are often free, although patients need to abide by some terms to stay in the program, such as reporting daily for evaluation. Patients can also receive private care if they want to pay for it or have insurance to cover it. Continuity of care is important in all cases to make sure patients receive consistent and attentive care.

Drugs can cause permanent changes in brain chemistry. In some cases, a substance-related disorder will not resolve when the patient stops using drugs. The patient may need to continue with medication and therapy for life. Drug-induced psychosis, for example, can become a permanent mental health problem for the patient. It can take time to determine whether changes will resolve, and it is important for patients to receive supportive care during their recovery from substance addiction or dependency. Even if a substance-related disorder does not improve, drug cessation will help the patient avoid other health problems and risks.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-substance-related-disorder.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.