Substance Abuse

Substance

Refers to one of several classes of drugs known to act on the brain’s reward system​ (dopamine)

Substance Use Disorder

continued use of a substance without regard to negative consequences, including physiological and psychological symptoms

SUD Sx

• Cognitive, behavioral, and physiologic symptoms

• Desire to reduce the substance but difficulty doing so

• Need for greater amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect

• Neglect of normal activities due to focus on the substance

• Persistent desire or craving for the substance.

Addiction

Refers to actual disease state…chronic and relapsing disease depicted by

compulsive drug seeking and use in spite of harmful consequences.

Recovery State

Individual no longer engages in using the substance or in problem behaviors associated with use

• Daily prioritization of abstinence

Substance Related Disorders

• Encompass 10 classes that address use and abuse of substances (e.g., alcohol, opioids) ​

• Diagnosis based on four clusters of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria ​

• Also specify if mild, moderate, or severe ​

Substance Induced Disorder

group of symptoms that a patient develops following ingestion of a substance.

• These are usually reversible and substance specific.

• Includes intoxication, withdrawal, and other substance-/medication-induced mental disorders​

Substance Abuse

the harmful use of any substance for the purpose of improving or altering mood ​

Drug Abuse

use of any drug for purposes other than those for which they are intended or in amounts or methods others than directed ​

Compulsivity

Behavior defined as the persistent reinitiation of habitual acts that continue despite the potential for adverse consequences​

Craving

A compelling desire for previously experienced positive or euphoric effects of a psychoactive substance​

Dependence

The body’s physical needs for a specific substance​

Detoxification

The process of safely and effectively withdrawing an individual from an addictive substance ​

Impulsivity

A predisposition toward rapid, unplanned reactions to internal and external stimuli without regard for negative consequences​

Relapse

The return of symptoms after stabilization​

Self-Medication

Use of substances to compensate for or improve symptoms resulting from another illness that has not been treated adequately ​

Sobriety

Complete abstinence from alcohol or other drugs of abuse in conjunction with a satisfactory quality of life ​

Withdrawal

Onset of signs and symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of or rapid decrease in use of a substance ​

Alcohol Effects

• Sedation

• Decreased inhibitions

• Relaxation

• Decreased coordination

• Nausea ​

Alcohol Overdose

• Increased HR

• Red Eyes

• Dysphoria

• Lability

• Disorientation

Alcohol WIthdrawal

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Elevated Temp, HR, and BP

• Delirium

Alcohol Prolonged Use

Can affect all systems of the body, including cirrhosis of the liver. ​

Stimulants Effects

• Euphoria

• Initial CNS stimulation and then depression

• Wide awake

• Decreased appetite

• Insomnia

• Paranoia

• Agressiveness

• Dilated Pupils

• Tremors

Stimulants Overdose

• Cardiac arrhythmia or arrest

• High or low BP

• Resp. Depression

• Chest pain

• Vomiting

• Seizures

Stimulants Withdrawal

• Psychomotor Retardation

• Agitation

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Severe dysphoria and anxiety

(in order)

Stimulants Prolonged Use

• Wt loss and malnutrition

• Weakened immune system

• Paranoia

• Thought disturbances

• Hallucinations

Cannabis Effects

• Euphoria or dysphoria

• Relaxation and drowsiness

• Spatial perception and time distortion ​

Cannabis Overdose

• Increased HR

• Reddened eyes

• Dysphoria

• Lability

• Disorientation

Cannabis Withdrawal

• Muscle tension

• Memory loss

• Respiratory distress and cardiac problems

• Rage

• Euphoria

• Dissociative states and visual hallucinations​

Cannabis Prolonged Use

• Decreased motivation

• Inability to concentrate

• Impaired memory

Hallucinogens Effects

• Euphoria or dysphoria

• Altered body image

• Distorted or sharpened visual and auditory perceptions

• Depersonalization

• Bizarre behavior

• Confusion

• Palpitations​

Hallucinogens Overdose

• Paranoia

• Ideas of reference

• Fear of losing one’s mind

• Illusions

• Depersonalization

• Derealization​

Hallucinogens Withdrawal

Flashbacks

Hallucinogens Prolonged Use

Persistent psychosis and flashbacks

PCP Effects

• Feeling superhuman

• Decreased awareness of and detachment from the environment

• Stimulation of cardiovascular and respiratory systems​

PCP Overdose

• Hallucinations

• Paranoia

• Psychosis

• Aggression

• Adrenergic crisis​

PCP Withdrawal

• Fear

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Sweating

• Headache ​

PCP Prolonged Use

Flashbacks, hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder​