Condition Lookup
Category:
Addiction
Number of Conditions: 15
Alcohol-Related Psychosis
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
hallucinations; delusions; paranoia; confusion; disorganized thoughts
Root Cause:
Chronic or excessive alcohol use disrupts neurotransmitter balance, leading to psychotic symptoms often exacerbated during withdrawal or intoxication.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation including history of alcohol use, mental health assessment, and ruling out other causes of psychosis. Blood alcohol level and liver function tests may assist diagnosis.
Treatment:
Detoxification, cessation of alcohol use, psychotherapy, and medication for symptom management.
Medications:
Antipsychotic medications (e.g., haloperidol or risperidone ) may be prescribed for acute psychotic episodes. Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or diazepam ) are often used during withdrawal to prevent seizures. Medications like naltrexone or acamprosate may be used for long-term management of alcohol dependence.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 3-10% of individuals with severe alcohol use disorder.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic alcohol abuse, history of mental illness, family history of addiction, acute withdrawal, or concurrent use of other substances.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may resolve with sustained abstinence from alcohol, but recurrent psychosis or relapse is possible without long-term management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cognitive decline, social and occupational impairment, risk of injury or self-harm, and progression to chronic psychosis if untreated.
Alcoholism
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
compulsive alcohol use; inability to control drinking; cravings; withdrawal symptoms; neglect of responsibilities; tolerance development
Root Cause:
Persistent changes in brain reward and stress systems due to excessive alcohol consumption leading to physical and psychological dependence.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Screening tools such as AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapies (e.g., CBT, motivational enhancement therapy), support groups (e.g., AA), and medications to reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
Medications:
Naltrexone (opioid antagonist to reduce cravings), acamprosate (modulates neurotransmitter balance), and disulfiram (creates aversion to alcohol).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5% of the global adult population; higher prevalence in males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of addiction, social or cultural acceptance of drinking, early age of alcohol use, and co-existing mental health disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable with sustained effort; outcomes improve with long-term support and relapse prevention strategies.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver disease, cardiovascular issues, neurological impairments, mental health disorders, and interpersonal problems.
Amphetamine-Related Psychiatric Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
paranoia; hallucinations; delusions; anxiety; agitation; insomnia
Root Cause:
Overstimulation of dopamine pathways caused by excessive amphetamine use leading to psychiatric and neurological effects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Psychiatric evaluation, history of amphetamine use, and exclusion of primary psychiatric conditions.
Treatment:
Discontinuation of amphetamines, behavioral therapies, and medications for symptom control.
Medications:
Antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine or quetiapine ) to manage psychotic symptoms and benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam ) for acute agitation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 10-15% of amphetamine users may experience psychotic symptoms.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic amphetamine use, high doses, sleep deprivation, genetic predisposition to mental illness.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may resolve with cessation of use; however, prolonged use increases the risk of persistent psychosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, chronic psychosis, and social dysfunction.
Cannabis-Related Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
impaired memory; anxiety; paranoia; depersonalization; withdrawal symptoms like irritability and insomnia
Root Cause:
Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system due to prolonged or excessive cannabis use, affecting cognitive and emotional processes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews, DSM-5 criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder, and history of use.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapies, psychoeducation, and supportive care during withdrawal.
Medications:
Limited pharmacological treatments; symptomatic medications (e.g., antidepressants or anxiolytics) may be used for comorbid conditions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 10% of cannabis users develop a dependency.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Early onset of use, high-potency cannabis, family history of mental illness, and concurrent substance use.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment, but prolonged use may lead to persistent cognitive and psychiatric symptoms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychosis, cognitive decline, increased risk of mood disorders, and social impairment.
Cocaine-Related Psychiatric Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
euphoria; paranoia; hallucinations; agitation; anxiety; impaired judgment
Root Cause:
Cocaine-induced dysregulation of dopamine pathways and oxidative stress leading to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Evaluation of substance use history, mental status examination, and ruling out primary psychiatric disorders.
Treatment:
Stopping cocaine use, behavioral therapies, and medications for withdrawal and psychiatric symptoms.
Medications:
No FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction, but antidepressants (e.g., bupropion ) or mood stabilizers (e.g., valproate) may be used symptomatically.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
About 5-10% of cocaine users experience significant psychiatric symptoms.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-dose use, intravenous or crack cocaine, concurrent substance use, and genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms often improve with sustained abstinence and supportive care, but long-term use increases the risk of chronic issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular events, chronic psychosis, depression, and social or occupational decline.
Hallucinogen Use
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
distorted sensory perceptions; hallucinations; paranoia; mood swings; disorganized thinking; elevated heart rate; anxiety or panic attacks
Root Cause:
Hallucinogens affect the brain’s serotonin system, leading to altered perceptions, moods, and cognition. Chronic use can cause dependency and psychological disturbances.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on patient history, symptom presentation, and standardized diagnostic criteria (DSM-5).
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, counseling, and supportive care to address psychological and social factors.
Medications:
While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for hallucinogen use, benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam ) may be used short-term for acute agitation or anxiety, and antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol ) for severe psychosis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1.1 million individuals in the U.S. reported using hallucinogens in the past month (as of recent surveys).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Youth, peer pressure, history of mental illness, genetic predisposition, recreational drug culture.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; acute episodes may resolve, but long-term use increases the risk of persistent psychological disturbances.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent psychosis, Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), social or occupational dysfunction.
Inhalant-Related Psychiatric Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
euphoria; dizziness; slurred speech; lethargy; nausea; impaired coordination; mood changes; confusion; cognitive deficits
Root Cause:
Inhalants disrupt brain function by affecting neurotransmitter systems and causing hypoxia, leading to cognitive and behavioral impairments.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of inhalant use, behavioral assessment, and signs of exposure such as chemical odors or physical indicators (e.g., burns, rashes around the nose or mouth).
Treatment:
Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and addressing co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Medications:
No specific medications approved; supportive care may include anti-anxiety medications like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline ) for comorbid anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Inhalant use is most common among adolescents, with 2.7% of high school students reporting use within the past year.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Adolescence, access to volatile substances, low socioeconomic status, peer influence, underlying mental health disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early intervention can lead to recovery; prolonged use can cause irreversible neurological and cognitive damage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Brain damage, organ failure, hypoxic injuries, and sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS).
Injection Drug Use
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
track marks on skin; infections at injection sites; fatigue; withdrawal symptoms; mood swings; compulsive drug-seeking behavior
Root Cause:
Direct delivery of drugs into the bloodstream creates a high risk of addiction, infections, and systemic complications due to unsterile techniques and repeated exposure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Patient interview, physical examination, laboratory tests (e.g., toxicology screens, infection markers).
Treatment:
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine), harm reduction strategies, and therapy (CBT, contingency management).
Medications:
Methadone (opioid agonist), buprenorphine (partial opioid agonist), and naltrexone (opioid antagonist) are often prescribed to manage addiction. Antibiotics may be used for treating injection site infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Injection drug use contributes to 10% of new HIV infections worldwide and is prevalent in individuals with substance use disorders.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of substance abuse, homelessness, mental health disorders, poverty, access to injectable substances.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic use often requires long-term management; complications can significantly impair quality of life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, sepsis, endocarditis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and overdose.
Nicotine Addiction
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
cravings for nicotine; irritability; anxiety; difficulty concentrating; restlessness; increased appetite
Root Cause:
Nicotine activates dopamine release in the brain, leading to dependence and reinforcement of smoking or vaping behaviors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Behavioral and clinical assessment, including patient-reported symptoms and standardized questionnaires (e.g., Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence).
Treatment:
Behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Medications:
Bupropion (antidepressant) and varenicline (nicotine receptor partial agonist) are commonly used. Nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges are NRT options.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 12.5% of adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes, with declining prevalence due to public health measures.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, early exposure, peer pressure, co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Success rates for quitting are higher with combined therapy approaches; however, relapse is common without sustained support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke.
Opioid Abuse
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
euphoria; drowsiness; confusion; slowed breathing; constipation; withdrawal symptoms when not using
Root Cause:
Opioids bind to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, creating intense euphoria and leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed history, physical examination, and toxicology testing for opioids.
Treatment:
MAT (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine), naloxone for overdose reversal, and psychotherapy (CBT, group therapy).
Medications:
Methadone (full opioid agonist), buprenorphine (partial agonist), naltrexone (antagonist), and naloxone (emergency overdose reversal agent).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Opioid use disorder affects approximately 2 million people in the U.S., with increasing rates linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic pain conditions, overprescription of opioids, prior substance abuse, socioeconomic stress.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Recovery is possible with sustained treatment, though relapse rates are high without comprehensive care.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Overdose, respiratory depression, infectious diseases, legal and social consequences.
Phencyclidine (PCP)-Related Psychiatric Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
aggression; delusions; hallucinations; disorganized behavior; catatonia; numbness; ataxia; impaired judgment; anxiety; memory loss
Root Cause:
PCP alters neurotransmitter function, particularly glutamate and dopamine, leading to dissociative and psychotic symptoms.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of symptoms, toxicology screening (urine/blood tests for PCP metabolites), and assessment of mental status.
Treatment:
Supportive care in acute cases, benzodiazepines for agitation, antipsychotics for severe psychotic symptoms, psychotherapy for long-term recovery, and substance use counseling.
Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam , diazepam ) for sedation and agitation; antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol , olanzapine ) for psychosis. Benzodiazepines are sedatives; antipsychotics are dopamine receptor antagonists.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Usage of PCP has declined but remains an issue among some populations, particularly in urban areas. Exact prevalence varies by region.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of substance abuse, peer influence, availability of PCP, and underlying mental health disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Recovery depends on the duration and intensity of use. Acute symptoms may resolve with treatment, but chronic use can result in long-term cognitive and psychiatric issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic psychosis, memory impairment, cognitive deficits, and increased risk of injury or death due to impaired judgment.
Sedative, Hypnotic, Anxiolytic Use Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
drowsiness; confusion; impaired memory; slurred speech; poor coordination; depression; irritability; withdrawal symptoms (e.g., tremors, anxiety, seizures)
Root Cause:
Misuse of medications like benzodiazepines or barbiturates leads to dependence and disruptions in GABAergic pathways.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, self-reported use, prescription monitoring programs, and urine or blood tests for specific substances.
Treatment:
Gradual tapering of the substance under medical supervision, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous.
Medications:
For withdrawal management, long-acting benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam ) may be used to taper dependence; anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ) for seizure prevention. Long-acting benzodiazepines act as sedatives; anticonvulsants stabilize neural activity.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1% of the population is affected by sedative misuse. Prevalence is higher in populations with access to these medications.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic stress, insomnia, anxiety disorders, access to sedatives, and family history of substance use.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, many recover fully; without treatment, risk of overdose, severe withdrawal, and relapse is high.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory depression, overdose, seizures during withdrawal, and persistent cognitive impairment.
Stimulant Use Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
increased energy; euphoria; hyperactivity; irritability; paranoia; weight loss; insomnia; anxiety; tachycardia; psychosis
Root Cause:
Excessive activation of the central nervous system due to stimulant use, leading to dopamine dysregulation and dependency.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment, patient self-report, toxicology screening for amphetamines, cocaine, or similar substances.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapies, contingency management, motivational interviewing, and rehabilitation programs.
Medications:
Limited FDA-approved options; off-label use of medications like modafinil or bupropion for withdrawal management. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent; bupropion is a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Stimulant misuse is increasing globally, with varying rates by country and age group. Commonly misused among young adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Peer pressure, academic or occupational stress, genetic predisposition, and accessibility of stimulants.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With comprehensive treatment, individuals can achieve recovery, though relapse rates are high without sustained support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular issues, stroke, chronic psychosis, cognitive deficits, and social/occupational dysfunction.
Substance Use Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
substance cravings; withdrawal symptoms; poor self-care; neonatal complications (e.g., neonatal abstinence syndrome); maternal mood swings; anxiety; depression
Root Cause:
Physiological and psychological dependence on substances during pregnancy or postpartum, exacerbated by hormonal and environmental stressors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Screening during prenatal visits, self-reported use, toxicology screening of maternal and/or neonatal samples, and clinical evaluation.
Treatment:
Medication-assisted treatment (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine for opioid use), counseling, support groups, and integrated care involving obstetrics and mental health services.
Medications:
Methadone (opioid agonist), buprenorphine (partial opioid agonist), and naltrexone (opioid antagonist) can be used. Methadone and buprenorphine are for withdrawal management; naltrexone prevents relapse.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Substance use during pregnancy varies by region and substance type, affecting 5–10% of pregnancies in some populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of substance abuse, lack of access to prenatal care, socioeconomic stress, mental health conditions, and domestic violence.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate care, outcomes for both mother and child can improve, though risks for relapse and neonatal complications persist without continued support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome, preterm birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, and maternal mental health disorders postpartum.
Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Addiction
Symptoms:
depressed mood; irritability; euphoria; mania; anxiety; sleep disturbances; fatigue; difficulty concentrating
Root Cause:
Mood disturbances caused by substance use or withdrawal, altering brain chemistry and neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin, dopamine).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Temporal relationship between substance use and mood changes, clinical history, and ruling out primary mood disorders.
Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending substance, symptomatic treatment for mood symptoms, psychotherapy, and supportive care.
Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like sertraline for depressive symptoms), mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium or valproate for manic symptoms), and benzodiazepines (short-term for severe agitation or anxiety). Antidepressants regulate serotonin; mood stabilizers balance mood; benzodiazepines act as sedatives.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prevalence varies depending on the substance; mood disorders are common in 30–50% of individuals with substance use disorders.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic substance use, genetic predisposition to mood disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and withdrawal episodes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mood symptoms generally resolve with sustained abstinence and treatment, but recurrence is likely with relapse.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Suicidal ideation, worsening of substance use, social and occupational dysfunction, and increased risk of developing a primary mood disorder.