Substance Use Disorder Symptoms | Pathfinder Recovery

What This Page Covers

Common signs of substance use disorder: These include behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms like mood swings, secrecy, cravings, poor hygiene, and neglect of responsibilities.
How symptoms can vary: Substance use disorder symptoms appear on a spectrum from mild to severe and may differ based on the substance, individual, and duration of use.
Clinical criteria for diagnosis: The DSM-5 outlines 11 criteria for substance use disorder, including tolerance, withdrawal, and continued use despite harm.
Impact on daily life and relationships: Substance use often disrupts work, school, family dynamics, and decision-making abilities, further complicating recovery.
When and how to seek help: Early recognition and compassionate conversations are key. Professional assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Pathfinder Recovery and our 100% virtual platform offers personalized, evidence-based care for your symptoms.

Written and reviewed by the leadership team at Pathfinder Recovery, including licensed medical and clinical professionals with over 30 years of experience in addiction and mental health care.

What Are Common Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder?

Recognizing substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms is the first step toward healing.

At Pathfinder Recovery, we understand these signs can manifest differently for each person, but some common symptoms include:

Behavioral changes
Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school.
Continued substance use despite negative consequences.
Withdrawal symptoms.
Developing a tolerance, which means the body starts to need more of the substance to achieve the same effects.
Noticeable changes in appearance.
Psychological indicators including mood swings.
Increased anxiety or irritability.
Intense cravings for the substance.

If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, know that compassionate, barrier-free support is available through our virtual care platform at Pathfinder Recovery.

Acknowledgement is the First Step

At Pathfinder Recovery, we understand that acknowledging substance use disorder symptoms can be challenging, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one.

Our 100% virtual care platform removes traditional barriers to treatment, providing accessible, compassionate support to residents of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont who are ready to begin their healing journey.

Understanding the Spectrum of Substance Use Disorder Symptoms

Substance use disorder symptoms can manifest in various ways. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 20 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in 2019. However, many cases go unrecognized or untreated.¹‍

The complexity of substance use disorder symptoms means they don't always fit neatly into a checklist. Someone might exhibit several clear warning signs, while another person's symptoms may be more subtle or easily attributed to other life stressors.

This variability makes it essential to approach the recognition process with patience and without judgment.

Pathfinder Recovery Meets Clients Wherever They Are

At Pathfinder Recovery, we believe in meeting clients where they are in their journey. Our approach acknowledges that substance use disorder symptoms are often indicators of deeper struggles that may be related to mental health challenges, trauma, or other life circumstances.

By providing clinically-robust, tech-enabled, truly individualized treatment with dignity, we create a space where these complexities can be addressed holistically.

Criteria Identifying Substance Use Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) identifies 11 criteria for substance use disorder,with the presence of at least two indicating a diagnosis.²

These criteria include:

Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended.
Wanting to cut down or stop but not being able to.
Spending a lot of time obtaining, taking, or recovering from use of the substance.
Experiencing cravings and urges to use.
Inability to manage responsibilities at work, home, or school due to substance use.

Understanding these clinical criteria can help frame the more observable substance use disorder symptoms discussed below.

Behavioral and Psychological Indicators

Some of the most noticeable substance use disorder symptoms appear in a person's behavior and psychological state. These changes often develop gradually, but can become increasingly apparent over time.

Significant shifts in mood, including increased irritability, anxiety, or depression, are also common substance use disorder symptoms. For example, someone who was previously even-tempered might become quick to anger or experience dramatic mood swings.³‍

Secretive Behavior and Dishonesty

People struggling with substance use also often become secretive about their activities, whereabouts, and possessions.

This might manifest as:

Lying about where they've been or who they've been with.
Being vague about how money is spent.
Hiding substances or paraphernalia.
Becoming defensive or angry when asked about substance use.

These behaviors typically stem from shame, fear of judgment, or attempts to protect their ability to continue using, not from a desire to be deceptive. Recognizing this context is crucial for approaching the situation with compassion.

Loss of Interest and Social Withdrawal

A hallmark of substance use disorder symptoms is the gradual replacement of previously enjoyed activities with substance use.⁴

Someone might:

Abandon hobbies they once loved.
Withdraw from family gatherings or social events.
Lose interest in goals or aspirations.
Form new relationships primarily centered around substance use.

For MA, CT, NH, and VT residents experiencing these changes, Pathfinder Recovery's virtual platform offers a discreet and accessible way to explore these concerns without the stigma that sometimes accompanies in-person treatment settings.

Psychological Dependence and Cravings

Intense cravings and psychological preoccupation with obtaining and using substances are powerful substance use disorder symptoms. The person may:

Think about the substance frequently throughout the day.
Plan activities around substance use.
Experience anxiety when access to the substance is uncertain.
Feel unable to enjoy events or relax without turning to the substance.

Individuals experiencing these psychological symptoms can benefit from Pathfinder Recovery's evidence-based approaches. These are particularly effective for addressing the thought patterns associated with substance use disorders.

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Physical and Social Substance Use Disorder Symptoms

Physical and social manifestations of substance use disorder symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance used, but certain warning signs tend to appear across different types of substance use.

These include:

Observable Physical Changes

Physical substance use disorder symptoms often include:

Unexplained weight loss or gain.
Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping).
Bloodshot eyes or dilated or constricted pupils.
Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene.
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
Slurred speech or impaired coordination.

These changes may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the substance and pattern of use.

Neglecting Responsibilities

As substance use becomes more central in someone's life, responsibilities often receive less attention. This might manifest as:

Declining performance at work or school.
Frequently calling in sick or missing appointments.
Neglecting household duties or childcare responsibilities.
Financial difficulties due to spending on substances.

These substance use disorder symptoms can create a cascade of consequences that further complicate recovery.

Relationship Difficulties

Strained relationships are common substance use disorder symptoms.This is often the result that comes from:⁵‍

Conflicts about substance use.
Broken promises or trust issues.
Withdrawal from family activities.
Prioritizing substance use over spending time with loved ones.
Borrowing or stealing money.

Families located in MA, NH, CT, and VT that are affected by a loved one's substance use can access Pathfinder Recovery's virtual family therapy services, providing a structured environment to address relationship challenges and build a supportive recovery framework.

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The Importance of Professional Guidance in Treatment

While recognizing substance use disorder symptoms is an important first step, professional assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Substance use disorders are complex health conditions that often co-occur with mental health challenges, requiring specialized care.

Pathfinder Recovery's team of licensed professionals provides comprehensive assessments that consider the full spectrum of substance use disorder symptoms, co-occurring conditions, and individual circumstances.

This thorough approach ensures that our treatment recommendations are truly personalized to each person’s needs.

And, if we think your substance use disorder symptoms are too serious for our virtual model, we’ll recommend you to another treatment center that provides more intensive treatment. Our number one priority is your well-being.

Understanding Treatment Options

For Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont residents experiencing substance use disorder symptoms, Pathfinder Recovery offers a full continuum of virtual care options, including:

Virtual ambulatory detox with medical supervision
Virtual partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Individual therapy and group counseling
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Peer support services
Family therapy

This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment can be tailored to the specific substance use disorder symptoms, severity, and circumstances of each individual.

Find Clarity and Support at Pathfinder Recovery

If you're concerned about potential substance use disorder symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, reaching out for professional guidance is a vital step toward healing.

At Pathfinder Recovery, we've created a virtual environment where individuals throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont can explore their concerns without judgment or stigma.

Our approach to addressing substance use disorder symptoms is rooted in our core values of compassion, accessibility, and clinical excellence. We understand that each person's experience with substance use is unique, so we offer multiple pathways to recovery with individualized treatment plans.

How Virtual Services Remove Barriers to Treatment

The virtual nature of our services removes many traditional barriers to treatment, allowing you to:

Access care from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Eliminate transportation challenges and scheduling conflicts.
Maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving treatment.
Engage in recovery support without the stigma sometimes associated with visiting a treatment facility.

For New England residents concerned about substance use disorder symptoms, our virtual detox and comprehensive treatment programs provide medical supervision and therapeutic support throughout the recovery process.

Options for Families and Individuals

Families affected by substance use can access our family therapy services to rebuild trust and communication.

Individuals experiencing substance use disorder symptoms can benefit from our evidence-based approaches to addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery ‍

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to start the journey alone. Contact Pathfinder Recovery to speak with our compassionate team about your concerns regarding substance use disorder symptoms and discover how our virtual care model supports your path to healing.

Remember, recognizing substance use disorder symptoms is not about assigning blame or judgment; it's about acknowledging a health condition that requires and deserves proper care. With the right support, recovery is possible, and a healthier future awaits.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some questions we commonly come across include:

Recognizing the Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder