6 Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

That occasional drink or prescription medication can sometimes become something more concerning. Substance use disorders develop gradually, often with warning signs that appear before the situation becomes severe.

Many people miss these early signals because they don’t match the stereotypical image of addiction portrayed in the media. At Extended Care Medical in Dothan, Alabama, we help people recognize substance problems before they escalate into crises.

1. Your substance use affects your daily responsibilities

When alcohol or drugs begin interfering with your ability to meet obligations, it signals a potential problem. This doesn't always mean dramatic consequences like losing a job.

The earliest signs often appear as subtle changes — missing deadlines, forgetting appointments, or letting household tasks pile up. These small lapses happen because the substance begins occupying mental space needed for normal functioning.

2. You need increasing amounts to feel the same effects

Your body naturally adapts to substances over time. This tolerance development means you require larger amounts to achieve the same feeling you once got from smaller doses.

This adaptation happens at the cellular level as your brain adjusts its chemistry to counterbalance the substance's effects. For example, when you find yourself needing two drinks to feel what one used to provide, your body has already begun changing in response to the substance.

3. Attempts to cut back leave you feeling physically unwell

Withdrawal symptoms vary widely depending on the substance. However, they all share one feature: they make you feel terrible.

Physical symptoms might include headaches, tremors, nausea, or sleep disturbances. The severity ranges from mild discomfort to potentially dangerous medical emergencies. 

These reactions happen because your body has become dependent on the substance to maintain its new, artificial balance.

4. You spend a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering

When substance use expands beyond the actual consumption time, it suggests a developing disorder. This includes planning how to get the substance, arranging opportunities to use it, and dealing with the aftermath.

This time commitment often happens so gradually that many people don’t notice how much of their schedule now revolves around the substance. What begins as occasional use can eventually consume hours of your day in related activities.

5. Relationships deteriorate because of your substance use

Friends or family members might express concern about your drinking or drug use. These conversations typically feel uncomfortable or even irritating, prompting defensive responses.

Relationships deteriorate in other ways, too. You might avoid certain people who don’t approve of your substance use or neglect relationships because you prefer using substances instead. 

6. You continue despite negative consequences

The most telling sign of a substance use disorder is continuing to use despite clear negative impacts on your health, relationships, work, or finances. This persistence happens because the substance overrides your normal ability to weigh long-term consequences against short-term benefits.

Early intervention leads to better outcomes

Effective treatment goes beyond just stopping the substance use. At Extended Care Medical, we examine the physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to substance problems.

The sooner you address substance use concerns, the better your chances for successful recovery. 

Call our Dothan, Alabama, office today or schedule an appointment online to discuss your concerns confidentially.