Definition and Epidemiology
The Fourth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association defines opioid dependence as repeated use of a drug of this class to the point of causing…

It is difficult to imagine modern medical practice without the use of opioid analgesics. These drugs have been part of health care since 300 B.C. Opium and codeine were isolated in…

With the exception of overdose and physical dependence, most opioid effects are rapidly reversible. A major danger, however, comes through the use of contaminated needles by intravenous users, which increases the…

Cannabis
Cannabis is widely used throughout the world in the forms of marijuana and hashish. The drug is usually smoked and causes a state of euphoria. Complications of cannabis…

Cocaine and amphetamines are readily available in the United States. The patterns of use and abuse of and dependence on cocaine and amphetamines are similar because both are CNS stimulants…

Sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs are widely used. They are all cross-tolerant with each other and with alcohol. Included in this class are barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Of these, the benzodiazepines…

Opiates include morphine, heroin, codeine, meperidine, and hydromorphone. Heroin is only available illegally in the United States. Opiates are commonly used for pain control.

Epidemiology

Opiate use and abuse are relatively uncommon in…

Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined by the presence of slurred speech, incoordination, unsteady gait, nystagmus, impairment in attention or memory, stupor or coma, and clinically significant maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes (inappropriate…

The DSM-IV defines substance abuse as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one or more of the following: