Partying and Substance Use Disorder: Where is the line?

Heading off to college is, for most, one of the most memorable times in life. While you are exploring new paths and making connections, you may find yourself tempted to enjoy alcohol or any other substances Understanding the difference between social drinking and substance misuse is essential to navigating your college years without the risk of developing a substance use disorder.

What is Substance Use Disorder?

American Psychiatric Association defines Substance Use Disorder (SUD) as:
A complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.
SUD can involve several substances, ranging from cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana, to harder drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. In some cases,it can also include over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Drawing a line between partying and SUD can be difficult, learning about the signs of substance use disorder is vital to becoming more self-aware of your behaviors if you believe you are misusing any substances. Understanding signs, both physically and mentally, can help you to keep yourself and your friends safe at all times. Take note of the following criteria given by the American Psychiatric Association in their most recent manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:

• Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer periods.
• Want to cut down or stop using the substance but not manage to.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the use of the substance.
• Cravings.
• Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
• Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
• Hardozous effects (a.g. driving under the influence).
• Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or worsened by the substance.
• Tolerance.
• Withdrawal symptoms.

Where is the Line?

Every individual has different genetic predispositions, traumas, and potential underlying triggers that require attention and fixing. To determine when you have gone too far, you’ll need to take a close look at your actions. An easy path to know if partying is already over and you have fallen into the Substance Use Disorder downhill, check the criteria given above. And even if you just identify one of them in you, immediately seek help as your problem can be bigger than you think. While is difficult to look up for help for the first time, here are some facts you should take into count.

Time tracking your actions can be hard

If you’re unsure if you are misusing substances, it’s important to take a step back to analyze your current lifestyle. If you find it difficult to keep track of time, your class schedules, homework, and even your actions while under the influence, you may have a bigger issue at hand. Blacking out or losing your short-term memory are often tell-tale signs that you are misusing a substance.

Have You Got Troubles Trying to Get Alcohol or Any Other Substance?

Do you find it difficult to get through your day without thinking of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illicit substances? If so, you may need to reevaluate your current usage as well as the type of substance you are gravitating towards. If you’re turning to risky and potentially deadly substances, it may be time to seek help through the use of counseling, therapy, or an inpatient rehabilitation treatment facility.

Are You Questioning Your Habits?

Trying new experiences is part of the essential college experience for millions of students each year. But, it’s possible to quickly allow substance use to get out of hand without proper monitoring and self-control. Whether you find yourself questioning your habits internally or concerned about your behavior when you are under the effects of any substance, it may be time to consider taking a break and seeking out proper resources. Keep a journal of your eating and drinking habits, as well as any other habits you have about substances, legal or illegal. The more honest you are to yourself, the more likely you are to stick to a set plan to lead a healthier and substance-free way of life.

Are You Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is when men consume 5 or more drinks or women consume 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours and the person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.08 g/dL or higher. If you’re participating in binge drinking habits, it may be time to address how your relationship with alcohol is. In addition, keep an eye on other potentially risky substances, as alcohol is rarely alone.

Using Alcohol as A Way Out

Often, students perceive college as a prison and alcohol is an easy way out, especially if they’re feeling highly stressed or under immense pressure. It’s not uncommon for college students to turn to excessive drinking and partying to help with coping with difficult exams and challenging course loads. Whether you’re using drinking as an escape mechanism or not, alcohol use disorder is a serious problem. Looking up an inpatient rehabilitation center might be your best choice, as a specialist will help you readjust without the use of any substance. The right rehabilitation facility can make all of the difference when learning how to control your impulses. Dealing with substance use disorder in college is never easy, especially as you’re just learning to navigate life as an independent adult on your own.

Learning about substance use disorder is the first step to taking back your life.

Sources

csun.edu - Substance Abuse and Dependence
cdc.gov - Teen Substance Use & Risks
greatergood.berkeley.edu - Can Mindfulness Help Stop Substance Abuse?
nih.gov - Drinking Levels Defined
What Is Addiction? (psychiatry.org)
DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale | American Journal of Psychiatry (psychiatryonline.org)
DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale (nih.gov)
NIMH » Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders (nih.gov)