Lecture on Drugs and Substance Use

Types of Drugs/Substances

• Common Substances: Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids (e.g., heroin), stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines), hallucinogens (e.g., LSD), inhalants, hypnotic sedatives, caffeine.

Drug Processes

• Intoxication
  • Drug enters the body and exerts effects.
  • Behavioral and psychological impacts.
  • Examples: Being "drunk" with alcohol, "high" with substances like cocaine or heroin.
• Withdrawal
  • Symptoms occur when stopping prolonged use.
  • Can be severe or fatal depending on the substance.

Effects on the Brain

• Substance-Induced Disorders
  • Mood disorders: High moods (mania), low moods (depression).
  • Disorders related to anxiety, sleep, sexual function.
  • Psychosis: Loss of contact with reality, hearing voices, seeing things, paranoia.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
  • Not everyone using substances develops SUD.
  • SUD leads to life impairment at work, school, or home.

Identifying Substance Use Disorder

• Key Factors
  • Increased use and craving.
  • Time spent recovering or obtaining substances.
  • Inability to cut back.
  • Impact on obligations.
• Presence of Withdrawal
  • Occurs after stopping prolonged use.
  • Indicates physiological dependence.
  • Example: Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and death.
• Tolerance
  • Diminished effect with the same dose.
  • Users increase dose to achieve same intoxication levels.

Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder

• Criteria for Diagnosis
  • Craving, withdrawal, increased use, inability to cut down.
  • Severity levels: mild, moderate, severe.
• Special Case: Caffeine
  • Cannot develop a SUD according to current criteria.

Conclusion

• The presence of increased use, withdrawal, or tolerance suggests a problem with substance use.
• Understanding these can help in diagnosing and addressing substance use disorders.