Substance-Induced Disorders

The severity of the symptoms of a substance-induced disorder, or SID can differ depending on the type of substance and the length of time it’s been misused. For example, some stimulant drugs may cause symptoms of paranoia that only last as long as the intoxication. In other cases, the effects of substances can last longer—days, weeks, months, or years. For this reason, early diagnosis can be critical to the successful treatment of SIDs. 

The symptoms of an SID can vary widely, as there are 11 categories of SIDs, as well as differing symptoms within each SID. 

Physical substance-induced symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
• Wakefulness
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Body aches and headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sexual dysfunction

Physiological substance-induced symptoms:

• Hallucinations³
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Agitation 
• Depression
• Rapid, uncontrolled speech
• Rage
• Confusion
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating 
• Memory loss 
• Aphasia

To qualify as an SID, an individual must present with these symptoms within 30 days after using a substance, and they must cause distress and impairment of function in daily life. 

The potential causes of SIDs include a combination of heredity, environmental, and other mental health condition-related factors, all of which can impact the use of substances and the likelihood of that use leading to a substance-induced disorder. The use of substances can create functional or chemical changes in the brain that alter behavior or cognition.⁴ Certain risk factors may contribute to a greater risk for substance use disorders, which in turn can incite substance-induced disorders. These include the following risks. 

Genetics role in substance-induced disorders

There are preliminary links between specific genes and an increased risk of developing a substance-induced disorder. This discovery strengthens long-existing evidence that has found an increased risk of substance use in people who have family members with substance-induced or substance-use disorders. 

Environmental role in in substance-induced disorders

Individuals who experience childhood trauma like sexual, physical, or mental abuse may be more likely to misuse substances and are often at a greater risk of developing an SID. 

Other mental health conditions

There is often a correlation between mental health conditions and substance use. Health professionals are often careful when diagnosing these conditions, as a co-occurring mental health condition is different from a substance-induced disorder and is not caused by substance use.

SIDs are treatable, and in some cases, a detox may eliminate all symptoms. Certain severe cases may require more intensive treatment. However, it may be challenging for people with these conditions to seek support, as they may have difficulty admitting they need support or are experiencing the symptoms due to their substance use. Below are a few treatment options that may be helpful. 

Medication

Certain medications may be used during the intoxication, withdrawal, and detox phases of treatment, while others may be used to continue to treat individuals over time. 

Which medications are chosen can depend upon the individual, their symptoms, the type of substance used, and the length of time the individual has been using them. 

Benzodiazepines are sometimes used short-term to treat anxiety, agitation, and insomnia during intoxication, withdrawal, or detox periods for various types of substances. 

Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to manage psychosis caused by a substance. 

Other treatment options

Treating a substance-induced disorder can also mean treating substance use disorders. For more severe cases, the individual may require a medical detox, which may be done in a hospital, outpatient, or short-term treatment center setting. 

Often, detox is enough to clear symptoms of substance-induced disorders. However, healthcare professionals may recommend continued treatment to ensure symptoms do not return. In some cases, the individual may require further medical treatment to address symptoms. Others may be encouraged to attend individual or group therapy and support groups. 

Self-care 

Therapists working with an individual experiencing an SID may recommend various lifestyle habits for managing stress, promoting health, and maintaining one’s treatment plan. Some of these habits may include:

• Avoiding individuals and situations that are associated with previous substance use
• Following a balanced, nutritious diet
• Getting moderate physical activity on most days of the week
• Implementing relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, or visualization
• Maintaining a strong social connection and exploring new activities (with people who do not use substances)

CBT and CM are evidence-based treatments for those who are recovering from or living with SIDs. CBT is designed to address adverse patterns of thought and behavior and help clients build skills to channel these patterns into positive directions. Both treatments reinforce healthy habits and can be key to long-term success. 

In some geographical areas, it can be challenging to find specialization in therapy. In others, individuals may not have much of a choice in therapists. Online therapy may address this disparity and can offer more convenience. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you are matched with a therapist and can change anytime without a financial penalty. Therapy sessions are conducted via phone, video, or live chat.  

Additional resources for substance use and substance-induced disorders

• Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 
• Faces and Voices of Recovery 
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 
• Smokefree.gov

For those experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Because substance-induced disorders are often closely associated with substance use disorders, it can be helpful to understand the research surrounding these conditions.

In a recent meta-analysis of over one million individuals in the US, researchers identified specific genes that are commonly found across all substance use disorders, regardless of substance used. These genes were associated with dopamine signaling, reiterating dopamine's role in addiction. Researchers hope to utilize this information for further research into SUDs, with an emphasis on individuals who are experiencing multiple types. 

In a 2020 report from the CDC, researchers found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 13% of people in the US reported either starting to use or increasing the use of a substance. Overdoses increased by 18% in 2019, and the trend continued through 2020. 

According to a report published in 2023, there are significant disparities in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States. Of those who meet DSM-5 requirements for OUD, one in five receive medical treatment. Certain populations were found to be substantially less likely to receive treatment, including Black adults, women, unemployed individuals, and those who do not live in metropolitan areas.

Below are several statistics on substance use disorders that may relate to substance-induced disorders:

• Of individuals aged 12 and over in the United States, 16.5% (or 46.3 million) met the DSM-V criteria for substance use disorder, with 29.5 million diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and 24 million diagnosed with a drug use disorder. 
• The highest percentage of the US population that met the criteria for a substance use disorder was found between ages 18 and 25.
• Studies have found that internet-based therapy for people with substance use disorders may sometimes be more effective than in-person modalities and has been associated with more cost-effectiveness and convenience.