By Dr. Kashika Jain, Psychology
Substance-induced disorders are defined as substance-related disorders which include problems arising as a result of direct effects of a particular substance. Substance-induced disorders can be caused by many substances, regardless of whether or not the substance is medically prescribed, legal or socially acceptable.
They can be broadly grouped under three major categories:-
Intoxication: Intoxication can be referred to as the temporary and immediate effects of a specific substance. Intoxication generally impairs your mental functioning, such as proper judgment and decision making, and may also alter your mood. According to the type of drug consumed, you may either feel more relaxed, calm or sleepier than usual, or may even experience a sense of heightened excitement or increased feelings of euphoria.
Many drugs can also impair physical functioning and coordination, leading to falls or vehicle accidents. Further, some drugs may even trigger aggressive behavior and other types of abnormal behavior, which become more obvious and adverse with substance overdose.
Withdrawal: When symptoms begin to appear after you stop taking a substance or even when you’re trying to quit and are reducing your consumption of the drug substantially, this is generally called withdrawal. Largely depending on the type of substance used, and not much on whether or not the drug is illegal, used for recreational activities or if you have a substance-disorder, withdrawal symptoms are often unpleasant and may vary from minor complications to potentially life-threatening risks (alcohol and barbiturates).
Substance-induced Mental Disorders:
Substance induced mental disorders are mental or psychological changes and effects occurring as a result of substance abuse or withdrawal which are in many ways similar to such disorders like psychosis, depression and anxiety.
There are ten classes of drugs which typically cause substance-related disorders:
1. Alcohol
2. Caffeine
3. Anti anxiety and sedative drugs
4. Cannabis
5. Inhalants
6. Hallucinogens
7. Tobacco
8. Opioids
9. Stimulants (cocaine and amphetamines)
10. Others (anabolic steroids)