Addiction
Substance use disorder, also known as addiction, is a serious medical condition that happens when someone relies on or misuses alcohol or other drugs. If you have a mental health condition, your risk for these disorders is higher.
Warning signs and symptoms
Signs of substance use disorder include:
- Missing obligations. Alcohol or drug use that interferes with family commitments, or school or work performance (e.g., absences from class or work, poor grades, academic probation).
- Engaging in risky behavior. Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in situations where it is dangerous (e.g., driving, operating machinery).
- Legal problems. Legal issues as a result of alcohol or drug use (e.g., arrests for driving under the influence, possession or disorderly conduct).
- Relationship problems. Alcohol or other drug use that leads to or exacerbates arguments or fights with friends, housemates, or co-workers.
- Physical symptoms. Increased anxiety or feelings of nervousness when you stop drinking or using drugs.
Signs of substance dependence include:
- Increased tolerance. Needing increased amounts of alcohol or drugs to get high.
- Withdrawal symptoms. When stopping drinking or using drugs, you may experience shakiness, nausea or vomiting, sweating, anxiety, hallucinations, difficulty sleeping or irritability. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, it’s important to go to the emergency room, as some of these symptoms could be life-threatening.
- Binging. Using alcohol or other drugs in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than you planned.
- You are unable to stop using. If you can't stop drinking or using drugs, even when you intend to, this is a sign of dependence.
- Obsessive behavior. Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using or recovering from the effects of the drug.
- Neglecting other areas of your life. Spending less time on school work or recreational activities (e.g., sports) because of drug use.
- Not concerned about consequences. Using despite knowing that it causes or makes a physical or mental health problem worse.
Recovery support on campus
The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) provides support tailored to University of Michigan students who are recovering from alcohol or drug issues. Whether you are in recovery or want more information, we invite you to contact the program for more details.
CRP is a support service for recovery, not a clinical treatment program. While our staff does not offer therapy, we can help connect students to treatment if needed before joining CRP.
As a member, you would get:
- Connections with other recovering students
- Involvement in fun, sober events (on and off-campus)
- Recovery support and accountability through case management, such as weekly check-ins and help with adjusting to campus life.
- Opportunities to be of service
- Connections to resources for academic wellness and support
- Access to the lounge, a safe, supportive space where you can relax and recharge
- Opportunities to debunk stereotypes and myths about addiction and recovery
Want to learn more about substance use disorders?
Online resources
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center Toolkit: The Depression Center Toolkit offers information, tools, support, and resources to help you with your mental health.
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: The NIAAA website features publications, news, research, and information about clinical trials related to alcohol abuse.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: The SAMHSA website provides information and publications on substance abuse and mental health. It also offers tools to help you find treatment services in your area.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are peer-based 12-step programs that offer recovery support groups in your community. Visit their websites decide if AA/NA is right for you.
- Al-Anon/Alateen: Al-Anon supports families and friends of people with alcohol problems. The website explains the organization and helps you find meetings.
Recommended reading
At Wit’s End: What You Need to Know When a Loved One Is Diagnosed with Addiction and Mental Illness by Jeff Jay, 2007. Addresses the needs of families dealing with co-occurring psychiatric and addictive problems.
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism by Alcoholics Anonymous, 2001. Describes AA’s program of recovery and tells the stories of men and women who have used it successfully.
Women Under the Influence by National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 2006. Written by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, this book analyzes substance abuse in women of all ages based on years of research.
College of the Overwhelmed by Richard Kadison, 2004. This book is written as a guide for students, parents, and others who work with them. It explores the many different stress factors college students face that cause so many of them to suffer from mental illnesses. It also offers tips to help students beat stress and succeed in the college setting.
Beyond Addiction: How Science Can Help People Change: A Guide for Families by Jeffery Foote, 2014. This book provides a science-based guide to helping individuals overcome addiction by offering motivational strategies to support loved ones in their recovery.
The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction: A Guide to Coping with the Grief, Stress, and Anger that Trigger Addictive Behaviors by Rebecca Williams, 2012. The author provides readers with ways to cope with loss through cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Talking with College Students About Alcohol: Motivational Strategies for Reducing Abuse by Scott Walters and John Baer, 2006. This book offers easy-to-apply guidelines for assessing and working with college-age drinkers. It describes ways to engage in conversations about alcohol, motivational counseling, and preventive interventions.
Finding treatment
To explore addiction treatment and support options, visit our treatment services or support resource sections.