Substance Use
Substance Use
Substance use disorders and the COVID-19 pandemic
Living with substance use disorders (SUD) or related conditions requires being a full and active participant in your own treatment. That’s especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can bring about some new challenges in managing your recovery. Learn more about managing these challenges here.
Overview
Alcohol and Drug Misuse
Sometimes, people turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to relieve stress or the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or other mental health conditions. But misusing alcohol and drugs can lead to substance use disorders (SUD) and serious health, relationship, employment, and legal problems.
The symptoms of SUD include:
- Increased tolerance (the need to drink more alcohol or use greater quantities of drugs to get the desired effect)
- An inability to stop drinking or using drugs despite negative consequences
- Feeling sick when drinking or drug use stops
Fortunately, there are proven ways to help Veterans recover from alcohol or drug use disorders. VA has many resources to help Veterans and their loved ones get answers to their questions, find support, access treatment, and recover. Please click on the tabs above for information on some of these resources.
Screening
Are you wondering if you have symptoms of a substance use disorder? One way to find out is taking a brief, anonymous and confidential assessment. Only you will see the results of this brief screen, and none of the results are stored or sent anywhere. You can also choose to print a copy of the results, either for your own records or to share with your physician or a mental health professional.
