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Author: Ron Cridland, MD
Substance abuse occurs when an individual has a pattern of using drugs or alcohol in amounts or in ways which are harmful to themselves or others. The abuse is not always an addiction with regular use. It may be episodic use but to an excess degree that problems occur. In some individuals, even relatively small amounts may result in problems. On the other hand, compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug resulting in withdrawal symptoms when the use is reduced or stopped.
We screen for substance abuse because it is usually associated with a negative affect on your sleep. More information about the effects of alcohol on sleep can be found in the section on Sleep Hygiene. Some drugs are sedating leading to increased sleep when they are used and difficulty sleeping when they are not used. Some drugs are stimulating, resulting in reduced sleep when they are used and an increased need for sleep when they are not used. Some drugs make underlying sleep disorders worse. Sedating medications such as opiates and barbiturates can suppress breathing. They will aggravate obstructive sleep apnea and cause central sleep apnea.
If your use of alcohol or drugs has resulted in legal problems, arguments, physical altercations or interfered with your family, social or work life, you need to recognize that this is a problem that needs to be addressed. Talk to your doctor about it.
