If someone you love is struggling with drugs or alcohol—or if you’re questioning your own relationship with those substances—there is help. At Olympia Grove Recovery, we offer compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment programs designed to support real progress.
An SUD is a medical condition that affects the brain and someone’s behavior, and it’s more common than you might realize. In 2020, 40.3 million people across the U.S. were experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD).1 Learning more about what substance use disorder is, what causes it, and how it’s treated can help you or someone you love take the first brave step toward healing.
Focused recovery, real progress, lasting strength. That’s what Olympia Grove Recovery is all about.
What is substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder is a chronic condition where people choose to use substances regardless of the negative impact those substances may have on their lives. That could look like harmful consequences to their health, relationships, jobs, or academic progress. If you’ve never experienced an addiction, it might be difficult to understand why someone can’t just stop. Unfortunately, it's not that easy, and it’s not linked to a lack of willpower—it's a medical condition.
The good news is that it’s treatable.
What qualifies as substance use disorder?
A person is diagnosed with substance use disorder when their use of alcohol or drugs leads to significant impairment. Examples of this include:
- Cravings or urges to use the substance
- Difficulty controlling use
- Continued use despite physical or emotional harm
- Increased tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same "high")
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
The severity of an individual’s SUD can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms they experience.
Is substance use disorder the same as addiction?
Though these terms are often used interchangeably, “substance use disorder” is the clinical term outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Addiction is still a commonly used word, but the term SUD better reflects the medical and behavioral complexities of the condition. SUD is also the preferred term, because it’s non-stigmatizing. Using this term can help reduce the shame that can accompany this condition. When someone understands that the challenge they’re facing is a real medical condition, they can also view it as treatable, which is essential to reaching out for help.
What causes SUD?
There is no one thing that leads to substance use disorder. Instead, it’s a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics: Family history of addiction can increase someone’s risk
- Trauma: Early exposure to abuse, neglect, or violence can lead people to self-medicate as a way to cope
- Mental health disorders: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common co-occurring conditions
- Environment: Peer pressure, stress, and easy access to substances
- Early use: Using substances at a young age can disrupt brain development
When someone enrolls in substance use treatment at Olympia Grove Recovery, a licensed therapist will work with them to gently uncover the roots of their SUD. Understanding how an SUD developed is the key to learning how to manage it moving forward. Our goal is always to move people forward, but it starts by looking back.
What is the most common substance use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is the most common form of SUD in the U.S. However, opioids (such as heroin or prescription painkillers), stimulants (like cocaine or meth), and sedatives are also frequently misused. Each substance affects the brain differently, but the symptoms and consequences often follow similar patterns.
How is SUD diagnosed?
A licensed healthcare provider will assess a person’s substance use patterns, behaviors, and overall health using criteria from the DSM-5. Diagnosis involves discussing how substance use is affecting a person’s life, relationships, work, and health. Early diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and a better chance of recovery.
Signs of a substance use disorder
Recognizing the signs of SUD in yourself or someone else can be especially difficult if someone is trying to hide it. Knowing what to look for can help determine whether it’s time to get professional help through a substance use treatment program.
Here are some of the most common signs of an SUD:
Increased tolerance
If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms, or have a loved one who is, it’s time to get help. Olympia Grove Recovery can guide you toward a better future, with a substance use treatment program in Northeast Ohio. We combine clinical precision with compassion—helping men and women build meaningful change through structure, evidence, and support.
Let us help. Call today.
Struggling to help someone who doesn’t see the problem?
When a loved one has substance use disorder, they may genuinely believe they’re doing fine. They may believe they’re in control of their life or refuse to see how their behavior affects others. This isn’t because they don’t care. SUD can alter brain function, making it difficult for someone to recognize the full impact of their actions.
They might be:
- Hiding their use out of shame or fear
- Comparing themselves to others to justify their behavior
- Afraid of what life will look like without substances
- Emotionally overwhelmed and in denial
This can be heartbreaking—but recovery is possible. With the right support and empathetic, professional care, your loved one can find the clarity they need to heal. Contact Olympia Grove Recovery today to speak with someone who understands what you’re going through. We're here to help—without judgment.
What happens if substance use disorder goes untreated?
Substance use disorder is a progressive condition, which means that without treatment, it tends to get worse. The longer someone lives with untreated SUD, the more serious the consequences can become for both their physical and mental health.
Physical effects
Chronic substance use can damage nearly every system in an individual’s body. Depending on the substance, untreated SUD may lead to:
- Heart problems: Irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack
- Liver and kidney damage: Especially with alcohol, opioids, or stimulants
- Lung issues: Respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, collapsed lungs
- Weakened immune system: Making it harder to fight off illness
- Increased risk of overdose: As tolerance builds, the risk of using a lethal dose rises
- Nutritional issues: Deficiencies and weight loss
Mental and emotional effects
Substance use disorder also takes a heavy toll on mental and emotional well-being:
- Worsens symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Induces memory loss and cognitive decline
- May cause paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions
- Increases risk of self-harm or suicide
- Strains relationships and deepens isolation
It's important to remember that hope is not lost. With professional treatment, these outcomes can be prevented and sometimes, even reversed. You can choose recovery today and begin healing.
Start your recovery today. Take the first step toward a healthier future.
SUD treatment options at Olympia Grove Recovery
With the right support, people can and do recover from SUD. At Olympia Grove Recovery, we take a structured, clinically grounded approach to treatment that is both compassionate and effective. Our programs are designed for adults who are ready to break free from substance use and move forward with purpose.
What treatment options are available?
- Medical detox (4–7 days): Supervised care to manage withdrawal symptoms and start recovery safely
- Residential inpatient treatment (21–30 days): A structured, immersive environment focused on healing in our 80-bed recovery center.
- Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions to address root causes and build coping skills
- Group therapy: Peer support and connection that fosters accountability and belonging
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Integrated care for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): When appropriate, to manage cravings and support stability
Treatment at Olympia Grove Recovery is always tailored to the unique individual we’re working with. We focus on progress and empower each client to build a future grounded in resilience and strength.
How do I get help for myself or a loved one?
Whether you’re worried about your own substance use or concerned about someone you love, you can reach out to our team confidentially. We believe in making care as accessible as possible for anyone who needs it, so we proudly accept Medicaid and most major insurances.
Asking for help can be hard. But it’s one of the bravest steps you’ll ever take.
No matter your story, recovery is possible
Substance use disorder affects people from all walks of life, and no matter how your story started, a great ending is possible. With the right support and new skills in your toolbox, you can start over.
At Olympia Grove Recovery, we meet clients with compassion, respect, and a concrete plan for real progress. If you're ready to take the next step—or just want to explore your options—we’re here to help. Call 216.438.8351 today or submit our online contact form.
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