Substance dependence occurs when a person is physically dependent on a substance such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs, or medication, to the extent that their body adapts to it and develops a tolerance to it, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Substance dependence and substance abuse used to be classified as separate health conditions in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)- the guiding manual for diagnosing mental health conditions. However, the latest edition, DM-5, has included both conditions under the umbrella term of substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated that approximately 20 million people in the United States over the age of 12 experienced a substance use disorder in 2019. It is estimated that substance use disorders cost the United States $420 billion dollars a year.
The most commonly used types of substances include marijuana. Marijuana produces a sense of happiness, calm, and relaxation and is increasingly addictive. Depressants, which reduce anxiety and cause drowsiness are also known to be among the commonly abused substances. Depressants include alcohol and certain types of medications such as benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, and Ativan), barbiturates, chloral hydrate, and paraldehyde. Other substances include stimulants, which stimulate the brain and nervous system. Stimulants include drugs like cocaine and amphetamines. Amphetamines are also used in certain stimulant medications, like Ritalin, that help treat conditions like ADHD. Opiates and narcotics are other addictive sunstances that are commonly abused. They are strong painkillers that reduce pain, induce drowsiness, and produce feelings of well-being, happiness, and excitement. Opiates include drugs like heroin and opium, as well as pain-relieving medications, such as Vicodin and morphine.
The signs and symptoms of substance dependence include needing the substance on a daily basis, losing control over use of the substance and being unable to stop using it, experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon stopping one’s use of the substance, using the substance in risky settings, and avoiding recreational and social activities due to substance use. MLA