Recognizing Substance Use Disorder: When to Seek Support
When Does Use Become a Problem?
Many people use alcohol or other substances occasionally without it becoming a significant issue in their lives. But for others, what starts as an occasional way to unwind or cope gradually becomes something harder to control.
If you've found yourself wondering whether your relationship with alcohol or another substance has changed, or if a loved one's use has started to worry you, you're not alone in asking that question.
At Chicago Counseling Center, we help individuals recognize the signs of substance use disorder and understand how therapy can support both recovery and the underlying stress, anxiety, or emotional pain that often accompanies it.
The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or legal advice.
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If you're concerned about your own substance use or a loved one's, our team is here to help you understand your options.
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder refers to a pattern of alcohol or other substance use that causes significant impairment or distress. This can include difficulty controlling use, continuing to use despite negative consequences, and experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not using.
Substance use disorder exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe, and can involve alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances. The severity and specific substance involved can vary widely from person to person.
Common Signs of Substance Use Disorder
Recognizing the signs early can make a meaningful difference. Common patterns include:
Using more of a substance, or for longer periods, than originally intended
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from use
Cravings or strong urges to use
Continuing to use despite it causing problems at work, school, or home
Giving up activities or relationships that once mattered in favor of use
Using in physically risky situations
Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Not everyone who uses alcohol or substances regularly meets criteria for a substance use disorder. The key distinction is whether use has begun to significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or well-being, despite a desire or attempt to change.
The Connection Between Substance Use and Anxiety or Depression
Substance use disorder frequently occurs alongside anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. For some individuals, substances are initially used as a way to manage difficult emotions, cope with stress, or quiet anxious or intrusive thoughts.
Over time, this pattern can create a cycle in which the substance temporarily relieves distress, but the underlying anxiety or low mood remains unaddressed, and in some cases, worsens. Recognizing this connection is often an important part of effective treatment.
Why It Can Be Hard to Recognize in Yourself
Many people who develop a substance use disorder don't recognize it right away. Use often increases gradually, and it's common to compare yourself to others who seem to use more heavily as a way of reassuring yourself that your own use isn't a problem.
Additionally, substances are frequently woven into social situations, celebrations, and daily routines, which can make it difficult to notice when use has shifted from occasional to something more habitual or difficult to control.
How Therapy Supports Recovery
Therapy can play an important role in addressing substance use disorder, particularly when it occurs alongside anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties. Treatment often focuses on understanding the function substances have been serving, whether that's managing anxiety, coping with difficult emotions, or avoiding certain feelings altogether, and building healthier alternatives.
At Chicago Counseling Center, our therapists provide psychotherapy to support individuals working through substance use concerns, particularly as they relate to co-occurring anxiety, depression, or stress. For individuals who require medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, or a higher level of care, we can help identify appropriate additional resources as part of a comprehensive support plan.
What to Expect During Your First Appointment
Starting therapy for substance use concerns can feel intimidating, especially if you're worried about being judged. Our approach is collaborative and non-judgmental from the very first conversation.
During your initial appointment, your therapist will take time to understand your relationship with the substance, any co-occurring anxiety, depression, or stress, and your specific goals, whether that's cutting back, quitting, or better understanding your patterns. Together, you'll develop a personalized plan that reflects where you are and where you want to go.
Supporting a Loved One
If you're concerned about someone else's substance use, it can be difficult to know how to bring it up. Approaching the conversation with genuine concern rather than judgment, and focusing on specific behaviors you've noticed rather than labels, can help keep the conversation open rather than defensive.
Encouraging your loved one to speak with a mental health professional, and offering support along the way, can make a meaningful difference, even if change doesn't happen immediately.
Why Choose Chicago Counseling Center
At Chicago Counseling Center, we understand that substance use is often connected to deeper emotional patterns, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals working to better understand and change their relationship with alcohol or other substances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my substance use has become a problem?
Key signs include difficulty cutting back despite wanting to, continuing to use despite negative consequences, and substance use interfering with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities.
Is substance use disorder always connected to anxiety or depression?
Not always, but the two frequently occur together. Substances are often initially used to manage difficult emotions, which can create a cycle that makes both issues harder to address independently.
Do you provide medical detox at Chicago Counseling Center?
No. Our therapists provide psychotherapy for substance use concerns and co-occurring mental health conditions. If medical detox or a higher level of care is needed, we can help identify appropriate resources.
Can therapy help even if I'm not ready to quit completely?
Yes. Therapy can support a range of goals, including reducing use, better understanding your patterns, and addressing underlying anxiety or depression, regardless of where you are in the process.
Do you offer substance use support in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago Counseling Center provides psychotherapy for individuals navigating substance use concerns, both in-person in Chicago and via telehealth throughout Illinois.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're just starting to question your relationship with a substance or have been struggling for some time, support is available, and change is possible.
Contact our team to schedule an appointment and learn more about support for substance use, anxiety, and related concerns.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Understanding drug use and addiction. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov
Disclaimer
The content on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or a substitute for professional care. Reading this content, submitting a contact form, or communicating with Chicago Counseling Center does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, medical emergency, or withdrawal symptoms, call 911, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Services available in-person in Chicago and via telehealth throughout Illinois.
