Last medically reviewed on October 26, 2018 © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company	Substance and addictive behaviors might also lead to a withdrawal from personal responsibilities, previously important activities, and social interactions
Substance use disorder can impact the way an individual socializes with and relates to other people	Regularly taking a substance can also cause physical damage, depending on the type of drug

Addiction

Psychologically, a substance use disorder can lead to continued use despite other effects on health and an inability to stop using.

Addiction: Substance use disorder can also lead to confrontations with the law, both in obtaining a substance and carrying out uncharacteristic or disorderly actions that result from the use of the substance
Addiction: Symptoms, effects, and what to look for: Using substances can lead to solitude and secrecy
Addiction: Symptoms, effects, and what to look for: The individual may rapidly consume large quantities of alcohol in order to feel the effects and feel good

While under the influence of some substances, a person with substance use disorder may engage in risky activities, such as fast and dangerous driving or violence	However, for a person with substance use disorder, these effects will not be enough to prevent future overuse
Addiction is a disease with a range of harmful conditions and behaviors	A person might be obsessed with getting hold of a substance or partaking in their damaging activities

Addiction

They continue using a substance or engaging in addictive behavior, even though they might be aware of the harm it can cause or when clear evidence of harm is apparent.

Addiction: Symptoms, effects, and what to look for: Marijuana consumption, for example, might greatly increase their appetite while cocaine may reduce it
Addiction: Regularly consuming excessive amount of alcohol can lead to chronic liver problems
Addiction: Recognizing these signs can help a person with addiction receive the treatment they need

They may lead an individual to seek solitude and engage in the substance use disorder in secret	An example of this overlap is when someone experiences the psychological effect of wanting to divert money from their regular food shop to purchasing a substance, and then not consuming enough nutrients
This might also be physiological, as some substances, such as heroin, are chemically addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms if a person stops taking them	For example, a person with alcohol use disorder may turn down an invitation to go camping or spend a day on a boat if no alcohol is available

Addiction: Symptoms, effects, and what to look for

Dilla, who died from complications of lupus, and DMX, who died of a heart attack, sparked conversations about physical health and addiction.

Addiction: Symptoms, effects, and what to look for: If a person or someone they know has any of these symptoms, they should consider treatment for themselves or the person they are concerned about, as soon as possible
Addiction: The signs and symptoms of substance use disorder can vary with the individual, the substance or behavior they are overusing, their family history, and their personal circumstances
Addiction: Smoking a substance, for example, can damage the lungs