Substance Related Disorder & Psychosexual Disorder

Psychosexual Disorders in Today's Society

Common Abused Substances

Central Nervous System Depressants
Alcohol
  • Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream.
  • Initial effects include relaxation and loss of inhibitions.
  • With intoxication:
    • Slurred speech.
    • Unsteady gait.
    • Lack of coordination.
    • Impaired attention, concentration, memory, and judgment.
  • Some individuals may become aggressive or display inappropriate sexual behavior when intoxicated.
  • Intoxicated individuals may experience blackouts.
  • Overdose (excessive alcohol intake in a short period) can lead to:
    • Vomiting.
    • Unconsciousness.
    • Respiratory depression.
    • Aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary obstruction.
    • Alcohol-induced hypotension, potentially leading to cardiovascular shock and death.
  • Treatment for alcohol overdose is similar to other CNS depressants:
    • Gastric lavage or dialysis to remove the drug.
    • Support of respiratory and cardiovascular functioning in an intensive care unit.
    • Administration of CNS stimulants is contraindicated per Burchum & Rosenthal (2018).
  • Alcohol is a causal factor in over 200 diseases and injury conditions.
  • Worldwide, 3 million deaths result annually from harmful alcohol use.
  • Over 5% of the global burden of disease and injury is attributable to alcohol use.
  • Absenteeism at work is higher for employees with alcohol-related problems, and they utilize more health benefits.
  • Children of alcoholics are more likely to develop alcohol problems.
  • Treatment programs report that many individuals had their first alcoholic drink before age 13, often a taste from a parent or family member.

Terminologies

  • Polysubstance abuse: Abuse of more than one substance.
  • Intoxication: Substance use resulting in adaptive behavior.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Negative psychological and physical reactions when substance use ceases or decreases.
  • Detoxification: Safely withdrawing from a substance.
  • Blackout: Episode of functioning without conscious awareness or later memory, typically associated with alcohol consumption.
  • Tolerance: The need for increased substance amounts to achieve the same effect.
  • Tolerance break: A small amount of a substance produces intoxication.
  • Spontaneous remission: Natural recovery without any treatment.

Onset and Clinical Course

  • The first intoxication episode often occurs between 12 and 14 years of age.
  • Minor alcohol-related problems may appear in the later teens.
  • Episodes of