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Symptoms may include:

• Trying to cut down or stop using the substance but not being able to.
• Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
• Cravings and urges to use the substance.
• Impairment at work, home, or school because of substance use.
• Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
• Using substances repeatedly despite potential danger.
• Continuing to use following physical or psychological problems that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
• Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

There is a wide range of types of treatments and will vary depending on how recently a person has stopped using substances. When a person first stops substance use, detoxification is often needed. 

 This may include treatment with medication and medical supervision, depending on the substance used. Inpatient or residential treatment often follows, with such services including individual and group therapy, education of relapse prevention, support groups, medication, and holistic methods.

In the latter stages of recovery (the period of time following substance abuse in which a person seeks to maintain permanent sobriety), outpatient talk therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in reframing thoughts and exchanging behaviors that will help maintain sobriety and will also address underlying mental health issues. 

If a person has a co-occurring disorder of PTSD, then EMDR may be considered.