Answer:
Substance use disorder (SUD), also called addiction, is a chronic brain disease that is characterized by compulsive substance abuse, despite harmful consequences. Substances can be legal (alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs) or illegal (marijuana, cocaine, heroin).
SUD can develop from experimentation with drugs or alcohol. People may start using substances for a variety of reasons, such as to relieve stress, to fit in with friends, or to self-medicate for mental health conditions.
When someone experiments with drugs or alcohol, they may experience pleasurable effects, such as relaxation, euphoria, or increased energy. These effects can be reinforcing, which means that they make people more likely to use the substance again.
Over time, people who use substances may develop tolerance, which means that they need to use more of the substance to get the same effect. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms, which are unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms that occur when they stop using the substance.
Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and they can make it difficult for people to quit using the substance. This is why SUD is considered a chronic disease.
People with SUD may continue to use substances even though they know it is causing problems in their lives. They may lose their jobs, their relationships, and their health. They may also engage in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence or having unprotected sex.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for SUD. The best treatment plan will vary depending on the individual's needs and circumstances. However, there are a number of effective treatments available, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, and support groups.
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