Substance Use & Substance-Induced Disorders: Key Facts
Substance Use & Substance-Induced Disorder Cheat Sheet
Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
Definition: Maladaptive patterns of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress.
Criteria (DSM-5):
- Tolerance: Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal: Physical or psychological symptoms when reducing or stopping substance use.
- Loss of Control: Inability to control substance use.
- Time Spent: A lot of time spent acquiring or using the substance.
- Neglect of Activities: Giving up important activities in favor of substance use.
Types of Substances
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, Psilocybin)
- Opioids (e.g., Heroin, Prescription painkillers)
- Sedatives, Hypnotics, Anxiolytics (e.g., Benzodiazepines)
- Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Methamphetamine)
- Tobacco/Nicotine
Psychological & Biological Mechanisms
Neurobiology of Addiction
- Dopamine system: Reward pathway activation.
- GABA (inhibitory) vs. Glutamate (excitatory): Balance disruption.
- Affected brain areas: Prefrontal cortex, limbic system.
Psychological Factors
- Cognitive-behavioral theories: Reinforcement mechanisms.
- Personality traits: Impulsivity, sensation-seeking.
- Stress & Trauma: Self-medication hypothesis.
Genetic Factors
- Heritability: Increased risk in family history.
- Genetic predispositions: Variants affecting alcohol metabolism.
Substance-Induced Disorders
Substance Intoxication
- Definition: Acute effects from immediate substance use.
- Symptoms: Euphoria, confusion, psychosis, impaired coordination.
Substance Withdrawal
- Definition: Symptoms following cessation or reduction in use.
- Symptoms: Anxiety, sweating, shaking, nausea, seizures.
Substance-Induced Mental Disorders
- Psychosis: Substance-induced hallucinations, delusions.
- Mood Disorders: Depression, mania triggered by substances.
- Anxiety Disorders: Withdrawal-induced panic attacks.
Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder
- Biological: Genetic predisposition, neurochemical imbalances.
- Psychosocial: Peer influence, family history, trauma, mental health disorders.
- Environmental: Availability, socio-economic status, cultural attitudes toward substances.
Treatment & Interventions
Psychological Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenge harmful thought patterns.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Enhance motivation to change.
- Contingency Management: Reinforce positive behaviors (e.g., abstinence).
- 12-Step Programs: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Pharmacological Interventions
- Medications: Methadone (opioid use), Naltrexone (alcohol use).
- Detoxification: Managing withdrawal symptoms safely.
Harm Reduction Strategies
- Needle exchange programs.
- Education on safer drug use.
Comorbidities
- Mental Health Disorders: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia.
- Physical Health Complications: Liver damage, lung disease, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, overdose.
Prevention
- Education: Early intervention programs, awareness campaigns.
- Social Policies: Substance regulation, harm-reduction initiatives.
- Community-Based Interventions: Peer support networks, family involvement.