Substance Use Disorder Overview

A condition that can occur due to chronic alcohol consumption, leading to decreased absorption of essential nutrients from the digestive system. This can be exacerbated by alcoholics skipping meals and replacing them with alcohol.

A disorder characterized by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) often associated with chronic alcohol use. It can manifest with neurological symptoms such as numbness, pain in extremities, muscle weakness, and vision loss.

A group of drugs that depress central nervous system activity, causing relaxation, drowsiness, and reduced anxiety. Examples include benzodiazepines and barbiturates.

A state of intoxication caused by depressants, characterized by symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, including slurred speech, impaired coordination, and drowsiness.

A state occurring after the cessation of depressant use, marked by symptoms like anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and seizures. Severity depends on the substance and duration of use.

Changes in behavior and mental state caused by taking a substance. These effects are due to the substance's impact on the central nervous system.

A group of symptoms that occur when someone who regularly uses a substance stops or reduces their intake. These symptoms are often the opposite of those experienced during intoxication.

A serious condition characterized by a persistent pattern of substance use despite significant negative consequences. This includes problems with control, continued use despite harm, and physical dependence (tolerance and withdrawal).

The body's need for increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the desired effect. People with tolerance need more of the substance to feel the same way they used to.

The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops using a substance they have become dependent on. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder are grouped into four categories: impaired control, continued use despite negative consequences, risky use, and tolerance or withdrawal. At least two symptoms must be present within a year to receive the diagnosis.

The severity of substance use disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of DSM-5 criteria met. Severe substance use disorder is synonymous with the term "addiction."

A group of medications that influence mood and behavior by acting on the central nervous system.

The DSM-5 lists 10 main substance classes around which substance use disorders develop, including alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, tobacco, and other substances.

Substance use disorders are often seen alongside other mental health issues.

Individuals with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bulimia, and personality disorders have higher rates of substance use disorders compared to the general population.

Depressants slow down the central nervous system, causing relaxation, drowsiness, and impaired judgment.

Alcohol is a depressant that can initially cause relaxation and euphoria, but higher doses lead to depression and impaired physical and cognitive functions.

Nicotine is a stimulant that can also have depressant effects, making it difficult to classify solely as one or the other.

Hallucinogens, like LSD and MDMA, can induce hallucinations and altered perceptions.

Cannabis has a wide range of effects, including psychoactive and physical impacts.

A severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome characterized by delirium, hallucinations, seizures, and other symptoms

Consuming five or more drinks in a couple of hours for men, and four or more drinks for women.

Experiencing binge drinking on five or more days in a month.

A condition in which an individual experiences a strong urge to drink alcohol, despite experiencing negative consequences due to their drinking.

The difference in the prevalence of alcohol use disorder between men and women, with men being more likely to develop the disorder than women.

The likelihood of developing alcohol use disorders increases as the age at which an individual begins drinking and experiencing alcohol-related problems decreases.

The tendency for the prevalence of alcohol use disorders to decrease with age, due to factors such as slower alcohol metabolism, increased alcohol sensitivity, and a higher probability of death from alcohol-related causes.

Alcohol's impact on the body's systems, particularly the stomach, esophagus, and liver.

The increased risk of heart disease faced by alcohol users due to low-grade hypertension, elevated triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels.

The increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer in women, associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol's effects on the body vary depending on the amount consumed. Initially, it acts as a stimulant, making the drinker feel happy and energetic. However, as consumption increases, it becomes a depressant, leading to sluggishness and negative emotions.

Alcohol myopia refers to the reduced cognitive capacity experienced by intoxicated individuals. This narrowed attention makes them more susceptible to the most salient cues in their environment, influencing their behavior.

Alcohol myopia explains why intoxicated individuals might feel more sociable in a lively environment, as their attention is drawn to the positive cues, while ignoring negative ones. This effect can be influenced by the environment's atmosphere.

Blackouts occur when someone experiences amnesia about events that occurred while they were intoxicated. This usually happens due to an excessive amount of alcohol consumption.

The rate of alcohol absorption into the body is significantly affected by the contents of the stomach. An empty stomach allows faster absorption, leading to quicker intoxication. A full stomach slows down the process, making it less likely for a person to reach dangerous blood-alcohol levels.

Countries where alcohol is typically consumed with meals often have lower rates of alcohol use disorders. This is possibly due to slower alcohol absorption and a reduced likelihood of binge drinking.

Alcohol-related accidents have a significant impact on public safety. More than half of fatal car accidents, falls, fires, and drownings involve alcohol use, highlighting its dangerous consequences.

Murder and suicide are also often linked to alcohol use. Over half of murder victims and perpetrators are intoxicated during the event, and alcohol consumption is common among individuals attempting suicide.

Alcohol withdrawal is a process that involves a series of symptoms after stopping alcohol consumption. These symptoms can be categorized into three stages, each with its own set of physical and psychological effects.

The first stage of alcohol withdrawal is characterized by tremulousness, weakness, and excessive sweating, usually occurring within a few hours of stopping drinking. Other symptoms may include anxiety, headache, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.