Types of Substance Addictions and How to Identify Them
There are many different substances that individuals can become addicted to. This includes everything from alcohol to cocaine, to opioids, and many others. A substance addiction—clinically known as a severe substance use disorder—is considered a mental health condition, often necessitating professional help.
American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide leader in addiction treatment, treats substance use disorders, alcohol use disorders, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. If you’ve been struggling with substance misuse, please reach out to your licensed physician or to one of our admissions navigators to get the help that you need. And if you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Types of Addictive Substances
There are a variety of substances to which individuals are battling an addiction. Commonly used addictive drugs include:
- Synthetic cannabinoids.
- Marijuana.
- Prescriptions, including opioids (found naturally in the opium poppy plant), stimulants like Ritalin® (Methylphenidate) or Adderall® (amphetamine).
- Over-the-counter medications such as cough suppressants (dextromethorphan) or antidiarrheal (loperamide).
- Cocaine.
- Alcohol.
- Fentanyl.
- Inhalants.
- Heroin.
- Nicotine.
- Bath salts (synthetic cathinone).
- Methamphetamine.
Identifying Substance Addictions
The signs that are common among those who misuse substances may be best discovered by their close friends and family members. After all, they spend more time with them and are able to recognize, or at least notice, the changes in their behavior, disposition, or even appearance.
- Modifications to physical appearance/not grooming/wearing dirty clothes.
- Low-quality work performance/disinterested in work-related duties/chronically tardy.
- Challenges at school/a drop in grades/lack of interest in school-related activities.
- Depletion of energy when performing day-to-day activities.
- Financial management difficulties/paying bills late or not at all.
- Weight loss/decrease in appetite.
- Poor skin tone/bloodshot eyes.
- Defensive when asked about drug use.
- Big changes in relationships.
- Increase desire for privacy.
Alcohol misuse comes with its own set of challenges. It’s a substance that is legal to buy and use, socially acceptable at bars, restaurants, and people’s homes, and is easily accessible to nearly everyone 21 years or older in the United States, including an individual battling an alcohol use disorder.
Common signs of a substance addiction to alcohol:
- Depression/mood swings/irritability.
- Lack of control over how long one drinks or how much they drink.
- The continuation to consume alcohol, regardless of physical, psychological or interpersonal challenges that arise due to this behavior.
- Drinking at odd times (like the morning) or in secret/alone.
If you, or a loved one, is battling a substance use disorder or an alcohol use disorder, you’re not alone. There are resources and support to help you. Please reach out at to begin treatment today. You can also verify your insurance coverage online.
