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Definition: Substance abuse disorder or substance use disorder (SUD) refers to repeated use of alcohol or drugs causing significant damage to health, and disability (SAMHSA, 2015)
Epidemiology: A 2013 national survey among Americans 12 years and older revealed that 17.3 million were either dependent or abusing alcohol and 4.2 million Americans were found to be dependent or abusing marijuana. (NIH, 2015)
Risk factors: There are many risk factors for SUDs. The risk of developing certain disorders can be traced from family history. The psychological dysregulation including cognitive, behavioral, and emotional domains are also considered risks. Environmental risks include maltreatment, traumatic events, and peer influences. (Thatcher & Clark, 2008)
Diagnostics: There are four main categories for the diagnostic criteria of the pathological set of behaviors for SUD. These are impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological indicators. (Horvath, 2013)
Clinical manifestations: Behavioral changes include frequent involvement in trouble, sudden mood swings, lack of motivation, and appearing fearful or anxious. Physical changes includ, tremors, bloodshot eyes, unusual smell on breath or body, and slurred speech. Social changes include inancial problems and sudden relationship problems. (HHS, n.d.)
Stages: SUD has four stages: 1) experimentation, 2) regular use, 3) substance abuse/risky behavior, and 4) addiction or chemical dependency. (Taughinbaugh, 2013)
Treatment Process: Treatment for SUD includes multiple services such as inpatient and residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, medication, and partial hospital programs. Support group can also help such as counseling, recovery support services, and peer supports. (SAMHSA, 2016)
Long Term Complications: Long-term complications of SUD include getting communicable diseases, psychotic behaviors, seizures, coma, and death. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014)
Reference:
DrugAbuse. (n.d.). Drug withdrawal. DrugAbuse. Retrieved from http://drugabuse.com/library/drug-withdrawal/
Horvath, A.T., Misra, K., Epner, A.K., & Cooper, G.M. (2013). The diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. MentalHelp. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/the-diagnostic-criteria-for-substance-use-disorders-addiction/
Litvitsky, P.F., Pirozhkov, S.V., & Tezikov, E.B. (2012). Pathophysiology. Moscow: Moscow Publishing Group
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Drug addiction. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/basics/complications/con-20020970
NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015). Nationwide trends. NIH. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). Substance use disorder. SAMHSA. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2016). Treatments for substance use disorder. SAMHSA. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/substance-use-disorders
Taughinbaugh, C. (2013). The four stages of drug abuse. StopMedicineAbuse. Retrieved from http://stopmedicineabuse.org/blog/details/the-four-stages-of-drug-use
Thatcher, D.L., Clark, D.B. (2008). Adolescents at risk of substance use disorder. Alcohol Research & Health, 2, 168-176.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (n.d.) Mental health and substance use disorder. MentalHealth. Retrieved form https://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/substance-abuse
