What Are The Symptoms of Substance-Related Disorders?

Any form of Substance-Related Disorder has the potential to interfere significantly in day-to-day life. There are two forms of Substance-Related Disorders – Substance-Induced Disorders and Substance Use Disorders.

Essentially, these are concerned with the short-term and long-term effects of substance consumption respectively.

There is such a huge array of possible symptoms of Substance-Related Disorders. Different substances have the potential to cause different symptoms.

As seen with Substance-Induced Disorders, short-term damage can be severe. But symptoms can also cause harm in the long-term – with suicidal ideation and self-harm both common. Below, some of the symptoms are listed.

What are Substance-Related Disorders?

Substance-Related Disorders: Substance-Related Disorders are a category of conditions which involve any form of substance abuse, substance dependence, and disorders that specifically arise from drug abuse. There are two distinct types of Substance-Related Disorders – Substance-Induced Disorders and Substance Use Disorders. Substance-Induced Disorders refers to the immediate effects (e.g. intoxication) or discontinuation (e.g. withdrawal) of substance use. Substance Use Disorders meanwhile involve the negative consequences that arise from continued use of substances – typically involving addiction.

Substance-Induced Disorders Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of substance-induced disorders:

Intoxication: This refers to a state involving the altering of perception or euphoria, along with the cognitive, physical and social functioning, seen in reaction to the consumption of a drug, often in a higher than therapeutic dose, or while being abused. When an individual becomes intoxicated, they are at risk of behavioural changes. In the worst cases, an overdose, as well as death, is possible.

Withdrawal: Withdrawal refers to the effects, symptoms and behavioural changes that take place when the consumption of a substance either stops abruptly, or reduces slightly. In order for the disorder to be classified within the substance-induced disorder class, distress, along with functional impairment, must be visible. Re-administering the substance will typically see withdrawal symptoms cease. It is important to note that many prescription drugs, like opioids or stimulants, can cause withdrawal symptoms – withdrawal isn’t purely limited to street drugs.

Substance-Induced Mental Disorders: Substance abuse also has the potential to cause a range of mental disorders, due to changes in mental state. These are disorders that develop in those who haven’t encountered mental health problems prior to engaging in substance use.

Hallucinations and delusions: Hallucinations and delusions are common in those with substance-induced disorders. For example, high-strength cannabis has been particularly linked to Schizophrenia. Many drugs can cause the hallucinations and delusions associated with psychosis. The substance involved must be known as being capable of causing the disorder in question. Typically, the substance will be in the following categories: alcohol; caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics; stimulants; tobacco; and ‘other’ relevant substances e.g. anabolic steroids.

Substance-Use Disorders Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of substance-use disorders:

Addiction: The compulsive use of a substance, despite the ongoing negative consequences brought about by use.

Dependence: The state associated with withdrawal syndrome, when an individual becomes dependent, either physically or emotionally, on a drug. Upon withdrawal, physical symptoms like sweating, headaches, tremors and vomiting is normal.

Tolerance: Needing to consume a higher dose of the substance in order to obtain the desired effects.

Being unable to stop: This condition often involves a person attempting to cut down on their use of the drug, but they have an inability to do so.

The specific symptoms displayed will depend on the type of Substance Use Disorder present.

Long-term implications

These conditions are linked with an increased chance of the development of mental health conditions like Depression and Anxiety.

Moreover, physical ailments like liver disease, premature ageing, fertility complications and a weakened immune system are common.

Behavioural changes may also be seen. These may include mood swings, violence, social issues, erratic sleeping, vehicular accidents or unprotected sex.

Summary

Everyone’s experience with substance-related disorders will differ. This is far from an exhaustive list of symptoms – they can change markedly relating to which substance is abused.

But in any case, any of these symptoms can lead to suffering – and it is therefore crucial to make a change in life.

See Also

1. Substance-Related Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Substance-Related Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Substance-Related Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Substance-Related Disorders?
5. How are Substance-Related Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Substance-Related Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Substance-Related Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Substance-Related Disorders