Addiction and recovery
Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders
When alcohol or drug use begins to affect health, control, relationships, work, safety or everyday functioning, professional assessment can help.
Alcohol and other psychoactive substances can affect the brain, physical health, behaviour and judgement. A substance use disorder may involve difficulty controlling use, strong urges, increasing priority given to the substance, continued use despite harm, tolerance or withdrawal. Severity varies, and treatment should be matched to the individual.
Loss of control
Using more than intended, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or spending substantial time obtaining, using or recovering.
Health effects
Sleep, mood, anxiety, memory, liver, cardiovascular, neurological or other physical-health problems may be affected.
Functional impact
Problems at home, work, study, finances, driving, relationships or legal and social functioning.
Dependence and withdrawal
Some substances can produce clinically important withdrawal symptoms when reduced or stopped.
Withdrawal from alcohol and some sedative medicines can become medically serious. People with heavy or dependent use, a history of severe withdrawal, seizures, significant medical illness or uncertain risk should seek clinical advice before attempting abrupt cessation.
When to seek assessment
- You are finding it difficult to control how much or how often you use alcohol or another substance.
- Use is affecting health, mood, sleep, work, relationships or safety.
- You need increasing amounts for the same effect or experience withdrawal.
- There have been overdoses, blackouts, injuries, aggression, self-harm or risky behaviour.
- Alcohol or substance use is occurring alongside depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric symptoms.
- Family members are increasingly concerned.
What assessment may include
Clinical assessment considers the type and amount of substance used, pattern and duration, previous withdrawal, physical health, medicines, mental-health symptoms, suicide and overdose risk, motivation for change, family and social circumstances and previous treatment. Laboratory or other medical investigations may be appropriate depending on the substance and health risks.
Treatment and recovery
Withdrawal management and detoxification
Some people need medically supervised withdrawal management. The setting—outpatient, inpatient or another structured environment—depends on withdrawal risk, physical health, psychiatric symptoms, previous complications and the support available.
Psychiatric and psychological care
Treatment may include motivational approaches, relapse-prevention strategies, psychological interventions, treatment of coexisting psychiatric disorders and work on triggers, coping skills and recovery goals.
Medication
For some alcohol or substance use disorders, medicines may support withdrawal management, reduce relapse risk or treat coexisting conditions. Selection requires an individual medical assessment.
Rehabilitation and continuing recovery
Recovery may involve rebuilding routines, relationships, work, physical health, confidence and community participation. Follow-up and relapse-prevention planning are important because recovery is usually a process rather than a single event.
When urgent help is needed
Seek urgent medical help for suspected overdose, severe intoxication, seizures, hallucinations with confusion, severe withdrawal, chest pain, loss of consciousness, suicidal behaviour, severe agitation or any situation where basic safety cannot be maintained.
Community & RehabilitationRecovery-oriented support beyond acute symptom treatment.
Urgent Mental Health HelpGuidance for situations requiring immediate assistance.
Preparing for an alcohol or substance-use assessment
- Be as accurate as possible about what is used, how much, how often and when it was last used.
- Mention any previous withdrawal symptoms, seizures, delirium, overdoses or hospital treatment.
- Bring a list of current medicines and relevant medical records if available.
- Share coexisting mood, anxiety, psychotic or sleep symptoms and any current safety concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop completely before asking for help?
No. Assessment can begin while you are still using alcohol or another substance. In some situations, abrupt cessation can be unsafe, so the first step may be to assess withdrawal risk.
Is detoxification the same as addiction treatment?
No. Detoxification or withdrawal management addresses the immediate physiological effects of stopping or reducing a substance. Longer-term treatment also addresses relapse risk, mental health, behaviour, relationships and recovery goals.
Can mental-health problems and substance use be treated together?
Yes. Depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder and other conditions can coexist with substance use, and integrated assessment is often important.
Editorial Policy · How We Review Health Information
Clinical source
World Health Organization: Alcohol — health effects and alcohol use disorders
This information is for general education and does not replace an individual clinical or medical assessment.
Concerned about alcohol or substance use?
Early assessment can clarify withdrawal risk, psychiatric needs and the most appropriate level of treatment.