When Does Substance Usage Turn Into Abuse?

In a world where a wide range of substances are easily accessible, including alcohol, prescription, and recreational drugs, the line between responsible usage and abusive behavior can get blurry. Many people indulge in these substances occasionally for relaxation, socializing, or pain management. However, it’s important to know the telltale signs that recreational substance use has transitioned into abuse. Understanding these indicators can help you recognize when to seek professional help.

One of the defining characteristics of substance abuse is the inability to control your consumption. Perhaps you’ve had unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit. Maybe you keep setting limits for yourself but end up consuming more than you originally intended.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder, as defined by the DSM-5, goes beyond recreationally using drugs or alcohol. Substance use disorder means an uncontrolled use of a substance despite its negative effect on a person’s life. It’s a brain disorder and mental illness that can have genetic, environmental, and underlying mental health causes. If you’re going through any of the following situations, your recreational substance use is potentially turning unhealthy and dangerous.

You feel a loss of control

One of the defining characteristics of substance abuse is the inability to control your consumption. Perhaps you’ve had unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit. Maybe you keep setting limits for yourself but end up consuming more than you originally intended. People with substance use disorder can’t control themselves around alcohol or drugs despite the negative effects it’s having on their body, mind, work, and social life.

You’re neglecting your responsibilities

When taking the substance takes precedence over your obligations, such as with school, family, or work, it’s a red flag. A shift in your priorities towards substances means they’re exerting an unhealthy level of control over your life. This neglect in responsibilities typically leads to lowered performance in your career or academics.

Your relationships are suffering

Substance abuse usually strains relationships with people you care about. If your substance usage is causing conflicts with loved ones or friends, leading to arguments, codependent behaviors, or a loss of trust, it’s an indication that your consumption has taken a toll on your support system. Listen to your loved ones if they’ve been saying that your use of substances is negatively affecting their relationship with you.

You feel withdrawal symptoms

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not using means you’ve developed a physical and psychological dependence—a big indication that you’re abusing the substance. Also, people with substance use disorder develop a higher tolerance, meaning they need to consume larger amounts to achieve the same level of intoxication.

You’ve lost interest in other things

If things that once brought you joy are no longer engaging or interesting to you, it’s a bad sign. Substance abuse can lead to a diminished interest in hobbies and passions that once played a significant role in your life. Instead, in substance use disorder most of your attention is given to finding, using, and recovering from the substance instead of what you once enjoyed.

You keep using, despite negative consequences

People with substance use disorder typically experience dire consequences due to their addiction. These could be health-related, financial, or legal issues. You may even be engaging in dangerous or risky behavior in order to procure the substance or while you’re using. This might mean driving while intoxicated, having unsafe sex, or committing crimes. These behaviors can greatly affect you, exacerbating the negative consequences you feel from substance abuse.

When to seek help

If you or someone you love is showing a few or most of these signs of substance use disorder, it’s time to get help. Start by building a support system of loved ones and admitting you need their encouragement and accountability. Meet with a therapist who’s trained in substance use disorder to discuss an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention and treatment is the best start to overcoming substance use disorder.

To learn more about how substance abuse therapy can help you recognize the signs of substance abuse, please reach out to us.