Psychoactive substances can be defined as drugs that alter your mind and thought process. The abuse of psychoactive substances is not so easy to define. The American Psychiatric Association, or APA, published the fourth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” commonly referred to as the DSM-IV. The APA uses this manual to define standards related to mental disorders, including drug abuse. The manual uses technical language that is mainly used for research purposes, however many health care professionals try to simplify its definitions for everyday use in their practice. Many drug rehab facilities refer to the DSM-IV when treating their patients. Addicts who suffer from a dual diagnosis (a mental disorder in addition to their addiction problem) often require addiction treatment that can only be offered at a specialized drug rehab facility. When it comes to defining the abuse of psychoactive substances, a distinction must first be made between substance use and substance abuse. The following definitions have been suggested:
- Prescription drug use – The use of a medication in a socially accepted way. It is often recommended by a doctor or healthcare professional to control mood or state of mind. An example of prescription drug use would be a patient taking a medication prescribed to them by their physician in order to treat their anxiety. The medication does affect their mind and body, but it is being used in a recommended way.
- Prescription drug abuse – Problematic substance abuse. The use of a medication to alter or control state of mind in an illegal manner or a way that induces harm to one’s self. An example of this could be an individual stealing a family member’s medication and using it to get high. Substance abuse is dangerous. Even medications that are considered safe can be harmful when used inappropriately.
When discussing prescription drug use, it is also important to define the difference between drug addiction and physical dependence. Such a distinction helps prevent confusion with appropriate drug use (such as pain medication after a surgery or accident), which can potentially lead to a physical dependence.
- Drug addiction – The repeated, compulsive seeking or use of a drug despite the negative physical, social, or psychological effects that are caused by its use. Individuals with drug addictions will continue using a drug even if they don’t require it to treat a medical condition. An example of drug addiction can be seen by an individual who continues using a substance to get high despite the fact that they have missed days of school or have had an automobile accident while using.
- Physical dependence – Physical dependence results when an individual’s body becomes used to a medication and cannot properly function without it. Not all medications cause a physical dependence, though. People who are physically dependent on a medication cannot abruptly stop using the substance. Instead, they have to slowly wean themselves off of the medication, usually with the help of addiction treatment at a drug rehab center. If the medication is stopped suddenly, patients will suffer from physical withdrawal symptoms and will become very sick.
Just because someone is physically dependent on a certain substance or medication, does not make them an addict. There is a distinction because people who are just physically dependent will want to stop taking a medication after they don’t require it to treat their medical condition. Addicts on the other hand, will continue taking the medication to get high and have no goal of stopping. An example of physical dependence is a cancer patient who needs large amounts of pain medication that would experience a physical withdrawal if the use of that particular medication were to stop. This type of patient wouldn’t seek out such a medication if they did not require it, so their dependency doesn’t necessarily make them a drug addict. Sometimes though, drug rehab is required to help individuals terminate their physical dependence.
Individuals suffering from drug addiction can become physically dependent on the drugs that they use, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes drugs won’t cause a physical dependence. However, it is always possible to develop a psychological dependence on a drug. At any rate, an addict will always seek a medication for the purposes of getting high, rather than to treat a medical condition.