Substance use disorder (drug abuse)

It can be hard to recognize signs of substance use. After all, you might not think twice about some of the subtle signs that seem innocent. Pay attention to your intuition. If you notice some of the signs below, you may be dealing with a loved one who has an unhealthy relationship with substances. Or, perhaps you recognize some of these habits in your own life. Some possible signs include:⁶

• Problems at school or work. Frequent absences, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in performance.
• Physical health issues. Lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes.
• Neglected appearance or overall health. Lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks, as well as their physical well-being.
• Changes in behavior. Drastic changes in behavior or in relationships with family and friends. Things like, exaggerated efforts to keep family members out of their room and being secretive about where they go with friends.
• Money issues. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation, discovering that money may be missing or stolen, or that items may have disappeared from your home that may be sold to support drug use.
• Substance use patterns. Using more of a substance to get the same effect, using substances more frequently than before, feeling physical symptoms of withdrawal when unable to use a substance or spending more time trying to get the substance.

Many can be at risk of falling into unhealthy habits with substances. Struggling with mental health, coping with a traumatic event, or becoming physically dependent on medications post-surgery are all possible examples of how someone may find themselves with a dependency. It takes courage to admit when we have a problem. That’s the first  — and sometimes the hardest — step. Use the questions below to help get a better understanding of your (or a loved one’s) relationship with substance use.⁶

• Do I keep my use a secret from others?
• Are friends, family or co-workers concerned?
• Do I find any excuse to drink or use?
• Do I use substances to change the way I’m feeling?
• Is my substance use increasing?
• Do I make promises to stop or cut back, but never follow through?
• Do I tell myself my problem isn’t that bad?
• Have I ever had a blackout (memory lapse) after using?
• Do I feel regret or shame after using?
• Do I spend more money than I can afford on alcohol or drugs?
• Am I at risk of physical danger or financial loss?
• Do I look forward to using alcohol or drugs?

When it comes to substance use disorder treatments, there’s no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Different people may have different needs. An individualized treatment strategy starts with an assessment by a licensed clinician. They may take into account a person’s substance use, mental and physical health needs, social supports and social determinants of health. Treatment may include one or more of the following:⁷

• Detoxification (for some substances)
• Local, short-term, intensive residential treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Individual substance use disorder counseling
• Group therapy
• Outpatient therapy
• Community recovery services (like peer support services and self-help groups)

You can speak to a licensed clinician right now by calling 1-855-780-5955 / TTY 711. They can help evaluate your situation and arrange for a face-to-face evaluation with one of our network professionals who can help create a care strategy that may be what you need — usually within 24 hours. You can also check into virtual visit services for a mental health care visit, by signing into your health plan account.