Do I Have a Problem with Substances?
April 28, 2025 | By Taylor Rapuano
How to Know If You Have a Problem with Substance Use
It can be really difficult to determine whether or not you have a problem with a particular substance—for many reasons. You might be in a community or culture where substance use is normalized. You may also fear what you'd need to do—if anything—if you discover you do have a problem. And sometimes, it’s just scary to acknowledge something hard or new about ourselves.
If this is something you’ve wondered about, you're definitely not alone. You might have a specific image in your mind of what someone with substance issues looks like or acts like. But the truth is, problems with substances and addiction don’t only impact a particular “type” of person. Anyone can be affected.
In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to better understand your relationship with substances and determine whether it may be time to seek support. Here, the term “substance” refers to drugs like alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, cocaine, and others.
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Exploring Your Relationship with Substances
There are different ways to assess your relationship with substances. One approach is using a diagnostic tool like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), which is widely used by therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists across the United States. While the DSM-5 isn’t a perfect system, it can be a helpful starting point.
You can also reflect on your substance use by talking with a therapist, a trusted friend, or journaling on your own. Asking yourself specific questions can help you build insight into how substance use may be affecting your daily life and relationships.
DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorder
The DSM-5 includes specific substance use disorder diagnoses for individual drugs, but the overall criteria are similar. A diagnosis can range from mild to severe, depending on how many symptoms are present.
Here are some signs to look for:
Using the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance
Craving or strong urges to use the substance
Recurrent use leading to problems at work, school, or home
Continued use despite ongoing relationship or social issues
Giving up important activities because of substance use
Using substances in risky or hazardous situations
Continued use despite health problems caused or worsened by the substance
A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve desired effects
A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the particular substance
The substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
Does not apply to every substance, specific to certain substances
If you see yourself in any of these signs, know that you’re not alone and that support is available. Even if you don’t meet the full criteria for a substance use disorder, that doesn’t mean your struggles aren’t valid. You still deserve help.
Questions to Reflect On
Self-reflection can be a powerful tool when exploring your relationship with substances.
Consider the following:
Have people in your life expressed concern about your substance use?
Have you ever switched from one substance to another to try to reduce or manage your use?
Have you needed to use a substance upon waking in the past year?
Have you experienced any negative consequences from substance use in the past year?
Has your use affected your home life or relationships?
Do you tell yourself you can stop any time even though you haven’t been able to?
Do you rely on substances to cope with difficult emotions or past experiences?
Have you ever thought your life might be better if you didn’t use substances?
You Deserve Support & We're Here to Help
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to take a closer look and you don’t have to do it alone. At Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy, our licensed therapists offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore your relationship with substances at your own pace.
We provide individual therapy, addiction counseling, and mental health support both in-person in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia and virtually via telehealth in PSYPACT states.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about Substance Use and Addiction Recovery, check out our other blog:
Reach Out
If you’re considering professional support, we’re here to help. Please reach out to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation. There’s no fee and no obligation—just click the button below to get started.
You can also call or text us at 202-656-3681, or email us directly. Give yourself the opportunity for the support you deserve.