Substance Intoxication: a reversible syndrome in which behavioral and psychological changes occurring after ingestion of an intoxicating substance.

 

Substance abuse: patient is using a substance that is causing work, law, or social problems but the patient is not yet dependent on the substance.

 

Substance Dependence: patient shows signs of tolerance and withdrawal and may realize the substance is bad for him but that this may not be enough to help him stop usage.

 

Substance Withdrawal: distress or impairment resulting after stopping the use of a substance.

 

Substance-Induced Disorders: includes dementia, delirium, persisting amnesia, psychotic disorder, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, etc. caused by using an intoxicating substance.

 

Evaluating for Substance Abuse: Physicians must determine how much of the drug the patient is using, how frequently, and how the drug is affecting the patient’s life.

 

Physical Examination: different drugs may have varying effects on the patient’s body.

 

Laboratory Evaluation: Drugs may show up in the blood or urine and the use of drugs increases the risk for certain diseases.

 

 

 

I.                    Alcohol, sedatives

II.                 Opioids

III.               Cocaine

IV.              Nicotine

V.                 Phencyclidine (PCP)

VI.              Amphetamine/Methamphetamine (Speed, Crystal, Crank)