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Drinking or using drugs more than I want to

Also called: Substance use disorder, addiction, alcohol use disorder

Drinking or using drugs more than you want to, or having trouble cutting back, can be signs of a substance use disorder. It's a medical condition, not a moral failing, and treatment works. Never stop heavy drinking or some drugs suddenly without medical help, because withdrawal can be dangerous. Free, confidential help is available at 1-800-662-4357.

Help lineSAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357 (free, 24/7)
Treatable?Yes
WarningAlcohol and sedative withdrawal can be dangerous
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.Being hurt or threatened at home? National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.Help with alcohol or drug use: SAMHSA Helpline, 1-800-662-4357.

Overview

Signs include using more or longer than intended, wanting to cut down but not being able to, cravings, spending a lot of time getting or recovering from use, giving up activities, and continuing despite problems with health, work, or relationships.

Alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and sedatives can all lead to dependence. Opioid overdose can stop breathing; naloxone (Narcan) can reverse it and is available without a prescription.

When to get medical care

Call 911Someone won't wake up, has slow or no breathing, blue lips, or pinpoint pupils (possible overdose): give naloxone if available and call 911. Seizures, severe confusion, or seeing things during alcohol withdrawal. Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayShaking, sweating, racing heart, or vomiting when you stop drinking. You want to stop and need medical help to do it safely.
See a doctor soonYou're drinking or using more than you want to. Others are worried about your use. Use is causing problems at work, home, or with your health.

Causes

Risk factors include family history, early use, stress, trauma, mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD, chronic pain, and easy access to substances.

OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause drinking or using drugs more than i want to. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Alcohol or drug use disorderSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    When drinking or using drugs becomes hard to control and starts to affect health, work, or relationships.

Less likely causes

  • Opioid use and dependenceSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Regular use of pain pills, fentanyl, or heroin can cause pinpoint pupils, nodding off, constipation, itching, and needing more to get the same effect.

  • Stimulant use (meth or cocaine)See a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Regular use of meth, cocaine, or other stimulants can cause severe tooth decay and dry mouth, picking sores from feeling bugs under the skin, weight loss, days…

What you can do at home

  • Talk to your provider or call 1-800-662-4357.
  • Don't stop heavy alcohol or sedative use suddenly without medical advice.
  • Keep naloxone if you or someone you know uses opioids.
  • Avoid people and places linked to use.
  • Join a support group like AA, NA, or SMART Recovery.

Medicines

Medicines help: naltrexone and acamprosate for alcohol; buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone for opioids. Counseling and support groups improve recovery.

At the doctor

The provider will ask about your use and health, without judgment.

Questions you may be asked

  • What you use, how much, and how often
  • Attempts to cut back
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Mood and sleep
  • Health problems

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

  • Screening questionnaires
  • Liver and other blood tests
  • Drug testing if needed

Prevention

You can lower your risk.

  • Limit alcohol
  • Get help for stress and mental health
  • Store medicines safely

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.