What it means
A mental health disorder in which use of alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, nicotine or another substance becomes hard to control. The person may need more to get the same effect (tolerance), feel ill when stopping (withdrawal), spend much of their time getting or using it, and keep using despite problems with health, work or family. It ranges from mild to severe. It is a treatable condition, not a moral failing.
For the nurse
Ask about substance use in a calm, nonjudging way, using screening tools as the facility directs. Watch for withdrawal in the hospital, which for alcohol can be dangerous. Use person-first words: "a person with a substance use disorder", not "an addict".
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SUD |
|---|---|
| Spanish | trastorno por consumo de sustancias |
| Also written | substance use disorders, SUD, SUDs, substance-use-disorders |
Related terms
therapeutic relationship
A professional relationship between a nurse and a client that is focused on the client's needs and goals.
naloxone
A drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.
coping strategy
Anything a person does or thinks to manage stress, a problem or difficult feelings.