LHI Focus: Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a condition characterized by the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 40.3 million Americans, aged 12 or older, had an SUD in the past year. Substance use disorders continue to be a significant health concern in our country. It is important to recognize early signs and symptoms within yourself and others.

Key Facts

According to the CDC, these are the key facts about SUDs:

• SUDs are treatable, chronic diseases that can affect anyone – regardless of race, gender, income level or social class.
• One in seven Americans aged 12 or older reports experiencing an SUD.
• SUD diagnosis can be applied to the following classes of drugs: alcohol; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; stimulants; tobacco (nicotine); and other (or unknown) substances.
• SUDs can lead to significant problems in all areas [CM1] of a person’s life including in their work, school or home life.
• Coordinated care is critical in treating anyone with an SUD to achieve positive outcomes. Coordinating treatment for comorbidities, including mental health conditions, is an important part of treating an SUD.

To learn more about SUDs, you can click here: Medline Plus | Substance Use Disorders 

For more resources, please email your questions to an LHI librarian at health-info@osu.edu, or call us at (614) 293-3707. All information is free and confidential.

The Library for Health Information is here for you. To find out more, visit the LHI webpage.