substance disorders

Substance-related disorders

Problems associated with using and abusing drugs that alter patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Substance

Chemical compounds ingested to alter mood or behavior, including alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.

Psychoactive substances

Agents that alter mood and/or behavior, ingested to become intoxicated or high.

Substance use

The occasional ingestion of psychoactive substances.

Substance intoxication

Physiological reactions (e.g., drunkenness, getting high) to ingested psychoactive substances.

Substance abuse

Difficult to define based on quantity, often defined by interference with the user’s life.

Substance dependence

Describes addiction; involves physiological dependence requiring greater amounts of drugs to achieve the same effect.

Tolerance

Physiological reaction requiring greater amounts of a substance to experience the same effect.

Withdrawal

Negative physiological reactions that occur when a substance is no longer ingested.

Dependence

Can exist without abuse; includes both physiological and psychological elements.

Drug-seeking behaviors

Behaviors indicative of dependence, including repeated use and desperate need for substances.

Psychological dependence

Dependence characterized by adverse emotional states when substance use is interrupted.

Depressants

Substances that result in behavioral sedation, including alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Alcohol use disorders

Disorders arising from the consumption and dependence on alcohol.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

Conditions resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, causing growth and cognitive deficits.

Sedative drugs

Calming substances that can also have hypnotic effects; include barbiturates.

Benzodiazepines

Anti-anxiety medications that can lead to tolerance and dependence similar to alcohol.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase alertness, including amphetamines and cocaine.

Cocaine

A stimulant derived from the coca plant that increases alertness and euphoria.

Opiates

Natural substances derived from the opium poppy, including morphine and codeine.

Analgesics

Substances, such as opiates, that relieve pain.

Hallucinogens

Substances that alter perception and can produce hallucinations and delusions.

Marijuana

Dried parts of the cannabis plant, known for mood-altering effects.

Cannabis sativa

The scientific name for the hemp plant from which marijuana is derived.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The primary psychoactive component in marijuana that alters mood.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical symptoms experienced upon cessation of drug use, including nausea and muscle aches.

Long-term alcohol effects

Severe consequences such as liver disease and cardiovascular disorders from excessive drinking.

Delirium tremens (DTs)

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms including confusion and hallucinations.

Amphetamines

Stimulants used to increase alertness and manage conditions like ADHD.

Psychological dependence

Dependence characterized by emotional distress when drugs are not used.

Drug tolerance

A state where increasing amounts of a drug are required to achieve the same effect.

Respiratory depression

Slowed or stopped breathing potentially leading to death, particularly with opioid use.

Opiate addiction

A condition characterized by compulsive use and seeking of opiate drugs.

Chronic use effects

Long-term use of substances leading to severe health issues and potential organ failure.

Anandamide

A neurotransmitter in the brain that mimics THC and is involved in mood regulation.

Amotivational syndrome

A condition where the user lacks motivation and drive, often associated with marijuana use.

Caffeine

A widely consumed stimulant that can produce increased alertness.

Nicotine

A stimulant found in tobacco products known for its addictive qualities.

Hallucinogen effects

Alterations in sensory perception often resulting in hallucinations and paranoia.

Barbiturates

A class of depressants used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

Overdose symptoms

Physical and psychological symptoms resulting from consuming excessive quantities of a drug.

Coca plant

Plant from which cocaine is derived; indigenous to South America.

Psychoactive effects

Altered states of consciousness and perception due to drug use.

Substance abuse treatment

Interventions designed to reduce substance use and promote recovery.

Substance-related disorders diagnosis

Classifying drug use issues based on behavior and physiological effects.

Opiate withdrawal timeline

Symptoms can last from 1 to 3 days, with the process typically concluding in about 1 week.