Have I ever once or more said or thought –

It will be different this time

I’m not hurting anyone

I’ll only have a few or won’t use as much this time

I don’t remember

What did I do?

I don’t want to do this anymore

I don’t know how to stop

I am overwhelmed

Where do I start?

It’s too much

Why, why, why. 

Help

I want to help guide you on a path out of these thoughts, feelings, and the landscape of fear that has taken over and made your life, head, and heart unmanageable and difficult. You and I can discover the causes and conditions for what you cannot stop on your own.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, or using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. It may lead to substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships, family relationships, or both. Substance use disorder, as a recognized medical brain disorder, refers to the use of illegal substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Or the misuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug associated with substance use disorder.

Substance (drug) dependence

Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe the use of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed. Signs of dependence include:

Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect

Withdrawal symptoms happen if you decrease or stop using the drug that you find difficult to cut down or quit

Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using drugs

Withdrawal from social and recreational activities

Continued use of the drug even though you are aware of the physical, psychological, and family or social problems that are caused by your ongoing drug use

What substances are associated with substance use disorder?

Substances frequently include:

Alcohol

Marijuana

Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills 

Methamphetamine 

Cocaine

Opiates

Hallucinogens 

Inhalants

Substance and Alcohol Use

Alcohol is among the most used drugs, plays a large role in many societies and cultures worldwide,1 and greatly impact public health.2,3 more people over age 12 in the United States have used alcohol in the past year than any other drug or tobacco product, and alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance use disorder in the United States.4

• NIDA works closely with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the lead NIH institute supporting and conducting research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. For information on alcohol and alcohol use disorder, please visit the NIAAA website.
• Because many people use alcohol while using other drugs,4 NIDA supports and conducts research on both the biological and social dynamics between alcohol use and the use of other substances.

Some books that I would highly consider reading a couple of pages of just to see if it touches on your existing pain or fear.