How to Identify a Possible SUD in Family Members

According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 1-in-7 Americans are currently struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD).¹ Additionally, while underage substance misuse has dropped in recent years, close to 1 in 3 high-schoolers report having used drugs or alcohol.² This means that chances are you personally know several people who have problems controlling their intake of drugs or alcohol, some of whom might even be in your family.

While most instances are relatively mild, moderate and severe cases of SUD are not uncommon, and these have the potential to seriously impact the mental health of other people in a household, particularly children. ^1,3,4 Thankfully, identifying signs of a possible SUD early on improves the chance of a successful intervention.^4,5,6

If you want to learn more about SUD and treatment programs in your area, you can contact our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers.

Why the Term “Substance Use Disorder”?

Substance use disorder is a term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that covers what was previously described as substance addiction, abuse, and dependency, as well as alcoholism.⁵ SUDs related to specific substances are named according to the substance or substance type e.g. cannabis use disorder, fentanyl use disorder, opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and so on.

The rationale for the changes in terminology comes to a better understanding of the mechanisms in substance-seeking behavior as well as the negative cultural association with the older terms.⁵ Since the introduction of the DSM-5 in 2013 substance use disorder and SUD have been the preferred terms in the context of drug and alcohol treatment in the United States. Older terms continue to be used by laypeople as well as some mental health professionals communicating with a more general audience.

However, because words like “addict”, “alcoholic”, and “abuse” have a stigma attached to them, the use of the older terms is now discouraged. Not only do they not accurately match the current medical understanding of SUD, but their use may also shame affected individuals and ultimately prevent them from seeking treatment.⁵ For the same reasons, you may want to avoid using the older terms when discussing a loved one’s probable or diagnosed SUD.

What are The Signs Someone Might Have an SUD?

If you suspect that a member of your household has an SUD, The National Institute on Drug Abuse and DSM-5 recommend checking the signs below.^5,6 If the other person is willing, they can also be part of the discussion for a more accurate assessment. Please note that only a qualified psychiatrist can make an official diagnosis of substance use disorder and other mental health conditions.⁵

If the answer to all or some of these questions is yes, please get in touch with a qualified mental health professional.^5,6

1. Is your family member taking drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol in large quantities or for longer than they need?
2. Do they have problems reducing or stopping their intake?
3. Do they spend a lot of time finding, obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance
4. Do they have continued cravings?
5. Have they lapsed in their personal, academic, or professional responsibilities?
6. Do they recognize a problem in their relationships but continue to misuse substances?
7. Have they given up on friends, hobbies, and work because of drugs or alcohol?
8. Do they use substances even when it’s dangerous? (e.g. drunk driving etc.)
9. Do they continue using the substance/s despite knowing that it harms their physical or mental health?
10. Did they develop a high tolerance for the substance?
11. Do they experience discomfort, pain, or irritability when ceasing substance use?

If more than one of these questions could be answered with a “yes”, please seek help from a psychiatrist for more comprehensive diagnostics.

Why Early Intervention Is Important

If it’s apparent that you or a family member has SUD, it’s important to seek professional help immediately, even if there are no obvious signs of a problem Reasons for early intervention include the following:⁷

1. Additional damage to mental and physical health can be avoided
2. Early intervention allows for simpler, less complex treatment
3. Treatment tends to be more affordable early on
4. It may prevent SUD from affecting everyone further

How Else Can Family Members Help?

Finding an evidence-based treatment program that specializes in the specific type of SUD your loved one has can be the best way you can help them. Programs that are designed for your loved one’s gender, beliefs, and age group may also help improve their odds of a good outcome.⁸ Additionally, actively participating in family therapy and workshops during their rehabilitation and treatment may significantly improve their emotional stability, resilience, and ability to avoid relapses.^4,7,9

If you’re in North Texas, call Dallas Drug Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 to find programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that meet your loved one’s unique recovery needs.

Resources:

1. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). Trends In Substance Use Disorders Among Adults Aged 18 Or Older.

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, April 21). Stats & Trends in Teen Drug Use with Interactive Chart.

3. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Children Living With Parents Who Have A Substance Use Disorder.

4. Lander, L., Howsare, J., & Byrne, M. (2013). The impact of substance use disorders on families and children: from theory to practice. Social work in public health, 28(3-4), 194–205. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.759005

5. Hasin, D. S., O’Brien, C. P., Auriacombe, M., Borges, G., Bucholz, K., Budney, A., Compton, W. M., Crowley, T., Ling, W., Petry, N. M., Schuckit, M., & Grant, B. F. (2013). DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders: recommendations and rationale. The American journal of psychiatry, 170(8), 834–851. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.12060782

6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, April 13). How to Recognize a Substance Use Disorder.

7. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration., & U.S. Office of the Surgeon General (2016). Early intervention, treatment, and management of substance use disorders. In Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. US Department of Health and Human Services.

8. Willenbring, M. L., Kivlahan, D., Kenny, M., Grillo, M., Hagedorn, H., & Postier, A. (2004). Beliefs about evidence-based practices in addiction treatment: A survey of Veterans Administration program leaders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 26(2), 79-85.

9. Rowe, C. L. (2012). Family therapy for drug abuse: Review and updates 2003–2010. Journal of marital and family therapy, 38(1), 59-81.