Substance use disorder

Having a substance use disorder means that you use alcohol, drugs, or both even though it causes you serious problems. A doctor may also call it addiction.

You may have a substance use disorder if one or more of the following have happened in the past 12 months:

• Your use of alcohol or drugs has affected your relationships and your responsibilities at home, school, or work.
• You've used alcohol or drugs in dangerous situations, like driving under the influence.
• You keep using alcohol or drugs in spite of the problems this causes.