Acute Intoxication

  • Definition:
    • A transient condition following the administration of a psychoactive substance resulting in disturbances in the level of consciousness, cognition, perception, affect or behavior, or other psychophysiological functions and responses.
    • Closely related to dose levels.
  • Types:
    • Uncomplicated
    • With trauma or other medical complications
    • With delirium
    • With coma
    • With convulsions
    • Pathological intoxication (applies only to alcohol)

Mental and Behavioral Disorders Due to Psychoactive Substance Use

  • Disorders due to use of:
    • F10.x alcohol
    • F11.x opioids
    • F12.x cannabinoids
    • F13.x sedatives or hypnotics
    • F14.x cocaine
    • F15.x other stimulants (caffeine)
    • F16.x hallucinogens
    • F17.x tobacco
    • F18.x volatile solvents
    • F19.x multiple drugs and other psychoactive drugs

10 Broad Principles of Drug Use and Problems

  1. Drug use is a chosen behavior.
  2. Drug problems emerge gradually and occur along a continuum of severity.
  3. Once well-established, drug problems tend to become self-perpetuating.
  4. Motivation is central to prevention and intervention.
  5. Drug use responds to reinforcement.
  6. Drug problems do not occur in isolation, but as part of behavior clusters.
  7. There are identifiable and modifiable risk and protective factors for problem drug use.
  8. Drug problems occur within a family context.
  9. Drug problems are affected by a larger social context.
  10. Relationship matters.

Drug Abuse

  • Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction.
  • Drug dependence means that a person needs a drug to function normally. Abruptly stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms.
  • Drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance, despite its negative or dangerous effects.