Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) occur when someone inappropriately uses a chemical that tends to produce physical dependence. These chemicals include prescription medications, controlled medications (stimulants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, opioids, sedatives), hallucinogens, cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco. Core features of SUDs can be classified into physical dependence, risky use, social problems, and impaired control related to the substance(s) misused or abused. SUD treatment is complicated further by high rates of co-occurrence with physical and mental health conditions, negative psychosocial effects, and the burden of treatment. This chapter discusses evidence related specifically to physical therapy management of people with SUDs while referencing connections to other mental health conditions discussed in different chapters.