Substance Use Disorders Overview

A chronic illness characterized by the inability to control substance use despite negative consequences.

The state of using a substance regularly despite negative consequences, even if it's affecting relationships, work, or health.

Complete abstinence from a substance.

A long-lasting illness that can't be cured but managed with treatment.

Returning to substance use after a period of abstinence.

A brief return to substance use, often triggered by stress or situations that increase cravings.

The process of preventing relapse through proactive strategies and support.

The time it takes for a substance to have an effect after it's been taken.

The way a substance enters the body.

The process of a substance moving from where it's taken into the bloodstream.

The movement of a substance from the blood to the rest of the body.

The quickest route of administration, with the fastest onset of effect, as it bypasses the digestive system.

A slower route of administration, with the substance absorbed from the intestines and processed by the liver before reaching the bloodstream.

This method involves placing a substance under the tongue, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

A method where a substance is placed between the cheek and gum, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

A method where a substance is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

The process by which a substance is broken down by the body.

The process by which the body removes waste products from its system.

The primary organ responsible for metabolism.

A substance that results from the breakdown of another substance in the body.

The rate at which the body metabolizes a substance is independent of how much is consumed.

The rate at which the body metabolizes a substance depends on the amount consumed.

The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from the body.

The part of the nervous system that controls the brain and spinal cord.

The part of the nervous system that connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Billions of nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system.

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid drug with potent pain-relieving and euphoric effects. It can be snorted, smoked, or injected, with injection being the most common and rapid way to experience its effects.

Chasing involves placing heroin on a heated surface, inhaling the smoke through a pipe or straw. This method of administration allows for a quicker and more intense high compared to other routes.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid used in maintenance programs to reduce heroin dependence. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to lead more productive lives.

Buprenorphine and levo-alphaacetylmethadol (LAAM) are synthetic opioids used in substitution programs for heroin dependence. They help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, assisting with recovery.

Morphine and similar drugs are absorbed efficiently when injected or smoked but poorly when taken orally. Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is affected by the liver, which rapidly breaks down these drugs. Therefore, injection or smoking is preferred for faster, more intense effects.

A neurotransmitter that regulates muscle contraction and is involved in memory processes.

A neurotransmitter involved in feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation.

A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity, promoting sleep, reducing anxiety, and playing a role in memory formation.

A neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory.

A neurotransmitter that acts as a hormone in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and plays a role in responses to stress, and regulating blood pressure and calmness in the brain.

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, eating, sensory perception, and inhibits pain signals in the spinal cord.

A network of brain structures that plays a key role in experiencing pleasure and reward.

The phenomenon where a person needs to take increasingly larger amounts of a substance to achieve the same desired effect.

The tendency for a substance to increase the release of dopamine in the synapse.

The body's response to prolonged exposure to high levels of dopamine, resulting in a decrease in dopamine production and receptor sensitivity.