Substance-Related Disorders

Substance-related disorders* are disorders associated with the taking of a drug of abuse, the side effects of medications, and the exposure to toxins.  Substance -related disorders are broken down into two groups: 1) Substance Use Disorders and 2) Substance-Induced Disorders.

• Substance Use Disorders* involve the use of a substance in a manner that results in either abuse of the substance or dependence on the substance.  Included under Substance Use Disorders are substance abuse and substance dependence.

Substance Abuse

The continued use of a substance despite recurring social or interpersonal problems resulting directly from use of the substance.  The failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.  The recurring use of a substance in physically hazardous settings, and recurring legal problems related to substance use.

Substance Dependence

The continued use of a substance leading to tolerance and withdrawal. Substance use is often in large amounts over long periods with unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use. Major social, occupational, and recreational activities are reduced or given up, and a great deal of time is spent in efforts to obtain the substance. Substance use is continued despite knowledge of negative consequences

• Substance-Induced Disorders* are the direct physiological results of the substance use.  These are the development of reversible substance-specific syndromes and clinically significant maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes due to the recent ingestion of a substance.  Included under Substance-Induced Disorders is Substance Withdrawal, Substance Intoxication, and Substance-Induced Mental Disorders (DSM-IV, 2000).

Substance Withdrawal

Development of a substance-specific physiological reaction due to the cessation of a heavy or prolonged substance use causing significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

Substance Intoxication

Development of a reversible substance-specific syndrome (behavioral or psychological changes) due to recent ingestion or exposure to a substance.

Substance-Induced Mental Disorders

Substance-Induced Disorders cause a variety of symptoms that are characteristic of other mental disorders.

RELATED LINKS

•  National Institute of Drug Abuse Research Report Series:
  

        "COMORBIDITY: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses"

* - As defined by the DSM-IV,  the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National

     Alliance on Mental Health.