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Adverse Experiences | Drug Use Disorder |
Formerly
called "drug abuse" and "drug addiction," drug use disorder, also called
"substance use" or "chemical use disorder," is an illness characterized by a
destructive pattern of using a substance that leads to significant problems or
distress, including tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance, as well as
other problems that use of the substance can cause for the sufferer, either
socially or in terms of their work or school performance. The effects of drug
use disorders on society are substantial. The economic cost, including
everything from lost wages to medical, legal and mental-health implications, is
estimated to be about $215 billion. The cultivation of
marijuana and production of
synthetic drugs like methamphetamine has negative impact on soil and water
supplies. Drug law infractions make up the most common reason for arrest in the
United States.
Teens
are increasingly engaging in
prescription drug abuse, particularly
narcotics (which are prescribed to
relieve severe pain), and stimulant medications, (which treat conditions like
attention-deficit disorder and narcolepsy.)
The term "dual
diagnosis" refers to the presence of both a drug use disorder and a serious
mental-health problem in a person. Substance use disorders, unfortunately, occur
quite commonly in people who also have severe mental illness. Individuals with
dual diagnosis are also at higher risk of being noncompliant with treatment.
What are warning
signs that you or a loved one may have a drug use disorder?
While specific
symptoms that are used to diagnose drug use disorders are described below,
warning signs that you or a loved one suffer from the condition include the
following:
Where can people
get more information and help for drug use disorders?
