In medical terms, SUD stands for Substance Use Disorder.
Understanding Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
Based on the provided information, Substance use disorders (SUD) are typically characterized as chronic diseases. They arise from the excessive and uncontrolled intake of psychoactive substances, which can be either licit (legal) or illicit (illegal).
The reference highlights specific examples of licit drugs that are significant contributors to SUD:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
These disorders affect a person's brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of a substance, despite harmful outcomes. Because they are often chronic, managing SUD typically requires ongoing support and treatment.
Understanding SUD is crucial in healthcare to accurately diagnose, treat, and support individuals struggling with addiction.
