Substance-Related Disorders
Did You Know?
- Substance-related disorders affect every segment of the population, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or sexual orientation.
- American high school students have a higher level of illicit drug use than any other industrialized nation.
- By senior year of high school, approximately 40 percent of American high school students have tried an illegal drug.
- Intoxication is typically the initial substance-related disorder and usually begins in the teen years.
- Dependence can occur at any age but typically begins in one’s 20s, 30s and 40s. Substance-related disorders are more common in males than in females.
- People with substance-related disorders usually find that their general health worsens.
More Far-Reaching than Illicit Drug Activity
The term "substance disorder" encompasses more than illegal drug abuse. After all, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine are perfectly legal substances, but people still develop dependence, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms from heavy or long-term usage.
Substance-related disorders may stem from use of the following:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Caffeine
- Club Drugs
- Cocaine
- "Date Rape" Drugs
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Marijuana
- Nicotine
- Opioids
- Prescription Medications
- Sedatives, Hypnotics and Anxiolytics
- Self Help Resources
Important Definitions
- Substance dependence – a compulsive or chronic pattern of substance use. Symptoms of dependence often include tolerance, withdrawal, using more of the substance than intended, continuing use despite psychological or physical problems and spending large amounts of time pursuing the substance or recovering from its effects.
- Tolerance – the need for greatly increased amounts of a substance to achieve intoxication.
- Withdrawal – significant physical, mental or social distress or impairment caused when heavy or long-term substance use is abruptly reduced or stopped.
- Substance Abuse – chronic or compulsive pattern of substance use that is less severe than substance dependence. May be characterized by failure to fulfill major obligations, exposing oneself to physical dangers or persistent personal and interpersonal problems.
- Substance Intoxication – behavioral or psychological change caused by a substance’s effect on the body’s central nervous system.
