A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic disease characterized by a cluster of cognitive, behavioral and physiological symptoms. The disorder indicates that an individual continues to use a substance despite experiencing significant substance-related problems.

In 2022, more than one in six Americans age 12 or older reported experiencing an SUD.

SUDs can lead to significant problems across all aspects of a person's life. Patterns of symptoms resulting from the use of substances, which include drugs or alcohol, can help a doctor diagnose a person with an SUD or SUDs and connect them to appropriate treatment.

For certain drug types, some symptoms are less prominent, and in some cases, not all symptoms apply. For example, withdrawal symptoms are not specified for inhalant use.

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