Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Substance Use and Abuse
Number of Conditions: 2
Chronic substance abuse (e.g., stimulants, sedatives)
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Miscellaneous Toxicological Conditions
Sub-category: Substance Use and Abuse
Symptoms:
mood changes; sleep disturbances; memory impairment; poor judgment; physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms; organ damage; behavioral changes
Root Cause:
Prolonged use of substances such as stimulants or sedatives leads to neurochemical changes in the brain, tolerance, and physical or psychological dependence.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, patient interviews, toxicology screening, and assessment of physical, psychological, and social effects.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the substance and severity; options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapy, inpatient rehabilitation, and support groups.
Medications:
Medications for treatment vary - Stimulant abuse - No FDA-approved medications; off-label options include bupropion or modafinil to reduce cravings. Sedative abuse - Gradual tapering of sedatives like benzodiazepines under supervision; flumazenil may reverse acute toxicity in emergencies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Substance abuse disorders affect approximately 20 million adults in the United States annually, with global prevalence varying by substance type.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of substance abuse, mental health disorders, peer pressure, stress, and access to substances.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; with treatment, recovery is possible, but relapse is common. Long-term management and support are essential.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Overdose, organ failure, cognitive impairments, mental health disorders, and increased risk of accidents or legal issues.
Withdrawal syndromes
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Miscellaneous Toxicological Conditions
Sub-category: Substance Use and Abuse
Symptoms:
anxiety; restlessness; insomnia; nausea; vomiting; sweating; seizures; hallucinations; cravings; muscle pain; tremors
Root Cause:
Withdrawal occurs due to abrupt cessation or reduction in the use of a substance, disrupting the brain's adaptive changes to the drug.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of history, substance use patterns, and physical/psychological symptoms; sometimes aided by withdrawal severity scales.
Treatment:
Gradual tapering of the substance, medications to manage symptoms, supportive care, and behavioral therapy.
Medications:
Alcohol withdrawal - Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam , lorazepam ) to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Opioid withdrawal - Methadone , buprenorphine , or clonidine to manage symptoms and cravings. Nicotine withdrawal - Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum), varenicline , or bupropion .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Withdrawal syndromes are common among individuals with substance dependence, with prevalence varying based on substance use patterns.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged or heavy substance use, abrupt cessation, lack of medical supervision during detoxification.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the substance, duration of use, and treatment adherence; most symptoms resolve with treatment, though cravings and relapse risk may persist.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe complications include seizures, delirium tremens (in alcohol withdrawal), dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, and suicide risk.