Substance Use Disorders

Stress and exposure to traumatic event may increase the risk of developing substance use disorders (such as dependence on alcohol and other drugs, including tobacco) or cause relapse among people who previously had a substance use problem.

People who have a substance use problem may feel they:

1. cannot cut down on their drinking or drug use
2. annoyed when people criticize their drinking or drug use
3. cannot start the day without an “eye-opener” drink first thing in the morning
4. need to have alcohol or drugs in order to feel better

People with this type of disorder continue drinking or taking drugs despite problems at work, school and home, or placing themselves and others in hazardous situations such as driving after drinking, or have problems with the legal system.

Learn More About Substance Use Disorders

• How Much Is Too Much? (PDF)
• Still Smoking? Cigarettes are Eating You Alive (PDF)