1. Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
According to the DSM-5, a substance use disorder is a compulsive pattern of drug use despite negative consequences. People with SUD often:
- Use more of a drug than intended.
- Continue using despite social, health, or legal problems.
- Experience difficulty controlling their use.
2. Physical Dependence vs. Psychological Dependence
- Physical dependence: The body adapts to a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
- Psychological dependence: An emotional or mental craving for the drug.
3. Tolerance and Withdrawal
- Tolerance occurs when increasing amounts of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal refers to unpleasant symptoms that occur when drug use is reduced or stopped. These symptoms are often opposite to the drug's effects.
Major Drug Categories
| Drug Category | Examples | Primary Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Depressants | Alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines | Slow nervous system activity; often affect GABA neurotransmission |
| Stimulants | Cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, cathinones | Increase alertness, energy, and dopamine activity |
| Nicotine & Caffeine | Tobacco products, coffee | Affect acetylcholine and adenosine systems, respectively |
| Opioids (Opiates) | Morphine, heroin, codeine | Powerful pain relief; act on endogenous opioid systems |
| Hallucinogens | LSD and others | Alter perception, sensory experiences, and consciousness |
Main Takeaway
All psychoactive drugs alter consciousness by interacting with the brain's neurotransmitter systems. While some drugs have medical uses, misuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and substance use disorders. The DSM-5 emphasizes that the defining feature of a substance use disorder is continued use despite significant negative consequences, not simply physical dependence alone.
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