substance-related and addictive disorders

• substance use disorder - A pattern of substance uses which could lead to clinically significant impairment or distress and dependence on the need for increased amounts to achieve the desired effect.

  • Presence of drug-seeking behaviors
  • Withdrawal symptoms could be present depending on substance.
• depressants/downers

  • These drugs decreases central nervous system activity.
  • Their principal effect is to reduce our levels of physiological arousal and help us relax. 
  • Included in this group are alcohol and the sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs, such as those prescribed for insomnia
• stimulants/uppers

  • Their principal effect is to make people more alert and energetic. 
  • Included in this group are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine.
• opioids - Opiate refers to the natural chemicals in the opium poppy that have a narcotic effect which relieve pain and induce sleep/euphoria
• cannabis - The most routinely used illegal substance
• inhalants - include a variety of substances found in volatile solvents—making them available to breathe into the lungs directly.
• gambling disorders - Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress

  • exhibiting four (or more) of the provided symptoms in a 12-month period.