Psychoactive Substance Abuse Disorders

A psychoactive substance is any chemical compound that works on the central nervous system to change brain function. These substances can lead to alterations in perception, behavior, mood or consciousness. While many of these compounds have a purpose in clinical medicine, they can also be used recreationally, leading to the possibility of a psychoactive substance abuse disorder.

Definition

Psychoactive abuse disorders are classified in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" as a mental health condition. The American Psychiatry Association defines psychoactive substance abuse disorder as a pattern of substance use that either causes the person to fail to fulfill major obligations at work or school, to cause physical danger to him or herself or to have legal problems stemming from substance use.

Substance Abuse Versus Dependence

There is a growing trend among clinicians to differentiate between psychoactive substance abuse and psychoactive substance dependence. The latter generally signifies a physiological "need" for the substance and can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse is more defined psychologically as the continued use of a substance despite obvious negative consequences. A person diagnosed with a psychoactive substance abuse disorder may or may not be physically addicted.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the most commonly abused substances, both due to their effects and their ease of access. In addition to caffeine and nicotine, which are generally legal and difficult to abuse, stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine abuse is particularly common because it is medically prescribed for many conditions, such as attention deficit disorder. Stimulants tend to be abused both for the rush of energy they provide as well as the feelings of euphoria they create.

Sedatives and Analgesics

Ethanol (alcohol) is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances due to how easily it is attained. Opioids are also commonly abused, in the forms of heroin and other medications, such as hydrocodone. Many of these abused substances are used in prescription medications. These substances lead to a "slowing down" of the nervous system and also produce a feeling of euphoria.

Other Psychoactive Substances

Although less likely to lead to physical addiction, many hallucinogens are among the abused substances. Some of these, such as PCP, are dissociative anesthetics, which means they can cause an altered state of mind while also numbing much of the body. Others, such as acid or psychoactive mushrooms, work primarily to cause hallucinations. While these medications are less likely to result in physiological dependence on the substance, they can cause alterations to brain chemistry.