Substance Use Concerns

If you’re worried about your own substance use or concerned about someone you care about, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to understand when social drinking, prescription medication use, or occasional drug use has crossed the line into something more serious. At Anuvia, we understand that substance use exists on a spectrum, and we’re here to help you recognize warning signs and understand when professional support might be helpful.

Understanding the Spectrum of Substance Use

Substance use isn’t simply “all or nothing.” There’s a spectrum that ranges from no use to occasional use to problematic use to severe addiction. Understanding where you or your loved one might fall on this spectrum can help you make informed decisions about seeking help.

Social/Recreational Use

  • Occasional use in social settings
  • Use doesn’t interfere with responsibilities or relationships
  • Able to control when and how much you use
  • No negative consequences from use
  • Life remains balanced and functional

Risky Use

  • Using more frequently or in larger amounts than intended
  • Occasional negative consequences (hangovers affecting work, arguments about use)
  • Sometimes using in risky situations (driving, before work)
  • Beginning to use substances to cope with stress or emotions
  • Others expressing concern about your use

Problematic Use

  • Regular use that’s affecting daily life
  • Difficulty controlling use despite wanting to cut back
  • Experiencing consequences but continuing to use
  • Using substances to cope with most stressful situations
  • Relationships and responsibilities suffering due to use

Substance Use Disorder/Addiction

  • Obsessive-Compulsive use despite serious negative consequences
  • Physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms
  • Inability to control use despite repeated attempts to stop
  • Life revolving around obtaining and using substances
  • Severe impairment in multiple areas of life

Warning Signs of Problematic Substance Use

Changes in Behavior

  • Secretive behavior about activities, whereabouts, or who you’re spending time with
  • Lying about substance use or how much you’re using
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
  • Changes in friend groups, especially toward people who use substances heavily
  • Avoiding family or friends who don’t use substances
  • Engaging in risky behaviors you wouldn’t normally consider

Physical and Health Changes

  • Changes in appearance like weight loss, poor hygiene, or looking unwell
  • Sleep pattern changes – staying up all night or sleeping excessively
  • Frequent illness or seeming run down
  • Injuries or accidents that you can’t clearly explain
  • Tolerance – needing more of a substance to achieve the same effects
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using (anxiety, sweating, nausea, irritability)

Emotional and Mental Changes

  • Mood swings that seem extreme or unpredictable
  • Increased anxiety or depression
  • Irritability or anger, especially when questioned about substance use
  • Loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy
  • Memory problems or periods of time you can’t remember
  • Paranoia or unusual thoughts

Life Impact

  • Financial problems due to spending money on substances
  • Legal issues related to substance use (DUI, possession, etc.)
  • Relationship conflicts with family, friends, or romantic partners
  • Work or school problems including absences, poor performance, or job loss
  • Health problems that may be related to substance use
  • Abandoning goals or plans that used to be important

Specific Substance Concerns

  • Drinking more days than not
  • Unable to stick to self-imposed limits
  • Drinking to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Others expressing concern about your drinking
  • Blackouts or memory problems related to drinking
  • Drinking in situations where it’s dangerous (before driving, at work)
  • Taking medications in ways other than prescribed
  • Taking someone else’s prescription medication
  • “Doctor shopping” to get multiple prescriptions
  • Running out of prescriptions early
  • Feeling unable to function without medication
  • Continuing to take medication after the condition has resolved
  • Daily use that interferes with motivation or responsibilities
  • Unable to go through the day without using
  • Using marijuana to cope with most emotional situations
  • Spending significant money on cannabis products
  • Relationship or work problems related to marijuana use
  • Feeling anxious or irritable when you can’t use
  • Using stimulants to enhance performance at work or school
  • Staying awake for days followed by crashing
  • Engaging in risky behaviors while using
  • Significant weight loss or health problems
  • Paranoia or unusual thoughts
  • Financial problems due to drug purchases
  • Taking pain medication when not in physical pain
  • Using opioids to cope with emotional pain or stress
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
  • Engaging in illegal activities to obtain drugs
  • Multiple overdoses or near-overdose experiences
  • Complete preoccupation with obtaining and using opioids

The Connection Between Substance Use and Mental Health

Substance use problems often occur alongside mental health conditions. This is called “co-occurring disorders” or “dual diagnosis.” Common connections include:

Self-Medication

  • Using alcohol to cope with anxiety or depression
  • Using stimulants to manage ADHD symptoms
  • Using substances to numb emotional pain or trauma
  • Using drugs or alcohol to sleep or calm racing thoughts

Worsening Mental Health

  • Substance use can worsen existing anxiety or depression
  • Alcohol and drugs can trigger mood episodes in people with bipolar disorder
  • Substance use can increase suicidal thoughts
  • Chronic use can lead to substance-induced mental health conditions

Shared Risk Factors

  • Genetics that predispose to both addiction and mental illness
  • Trauma that contributes to both substance use and mental health problems
  • Stress and life circumstances that affect both areas
  • Brain chemistry changes that influence both conditions

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider reaching out for professional support if:

Immediate Concerns

  • You’ve experienced an overdose or near-overdose
  • You’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • You’re engaging in dangerous behaviors while using substances
  • You’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms
  • Others are concerned about your safety

Ongoing Patterns

  • You’ve tried to cut back or stop using but haven’t been successful
  • Substance use is affecting your work, school, or relationships
  • You’re using substances to cope with most stressful situations
  • You’re experiencing legal, financial, or health problems related to use
  • You feel like your life is out of control due to substance use

Family and Relationship Impact

  • Your substance use is causing conflict in important relationships
  • Family members have expressed concern about your use
  • You’re avoiding people who might question your substance use
  • Your children or other family members are being affected by your use

How Anuvia Can Help

At Anuvia, we understand that substance use problems often don’t exist in isolation. Our integrated approach addresses both substance use and any underlying mental health concerns:

Comprehensive Assessment

  • Understanding your substance use patterns and history
  • Evaluating mental health symptoms that may be related
  • Assessing how substance use is affecting different areas of your life
  • Developing a personalized treatment plan

Integrated Treatment

  • Addressing both substance use and mental health concerns simultaneously
  • Coordinated care between therapists and medical providers
  • Treatment that recognizes how these conditions affect each other

Evidence-Based Approaches

  • Proven therapies for substance use disorders
  • Medication management when appropriate
  • Group therapy with others facing similar challenges
  • Family involvement and support when helpful

Ongoing Support

  • Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans
  • Crisis support when needed
  • Long-term recovery planning and relapse prevention
  • Connection to community resources and support groups

Supporting a Loved One

If you’re concerned about someone else’s substance use:

Do:

  • Express your concerns in a caring, non-judgmental way
  • Offer specific examples of behaviors that worry you
  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • Take care of your own mental health and wellbeing
  • Set healthy boundaries about what you will and won’t accept

Don't:

  • Enable their substance use by making excuses or covering consequences
  • Give ultimatums unless you’re prepared to follow through
  • Try to control their substance use through manipulation or threats
  • Ignore the problem hoping it will go away
  • Blame yourself for their substance use

Taking the First Step

Recognizing that substance use has become a problem is often the hardest part of getting help. If you’re concerned about your own use or someone you care about, reaching out for professional assessment and support is a courageous and important step.

At Anuvia, we provide judgment-free, compassionate care that recognizes substance use problems as medical conditions requiring professional treatment. We’re here to help you understand your options and develop a path forward that works for your unique situation.

Concerned about substance use? Call us today at (704) 376-7447 to speak with our team about assessment and treatment options. Same-day appointments are often available, and we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face this alone.