Substance Abuse

Substance abuse occurs in all segments of society. The results of substance abuse often include decreased work and school performance, intoxication while at work and home, absenteeism, accidents, violent crime and theft. Adolescents are the most vulnerable group for developing substance abuse problems and men are at greater risk than women (Kaplan & Sadock, 1996).

Substances which affect the central nervous system include medications, toxic chemicals, illegal and legal (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and some inhalants).

Failure to carry out obligations at work, home, or school; repeated use even when it is physically dangerous to do so; legal problems; continued use even though it is causing social and/or interpersonal problems.

Specific symptoms for alcohol abuse (intoxication) include motor incoordination or agitation, slurred speech, loss of ability to sustain attention, impaired memory, reduced alertness (drowsiness, stupor, or even coma), effects on autonomic nervous system (heart palpitations, gastrointestinal symptoms, dry mouth, changes in blood pressure), mood changes (depression, euphoria, anxiety).

Specific symptoms for amphetamine intoxication include blunted affect, hypervigilance, interpersonal sensitivity, anger, anxiety, tension, changes in sociability, impaired judgment, impaired work or social functioning, slowed or rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, raised or lowered blood pressure, chills or sweating, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, speeded-up or slowed psychomotor activity, muscle weakness, shallow or slowed breathing, chest pain or heart arrhythmias, confusion, coma.

Specific symptoms for caffeine intoxication include restlessness, nervousness, excitement, sleeplessness, red face, increased urination, gastrointestinal upset, muscle twitching, rambling speech, rapid or irregular heartbeat, periods of tirelessness, speeded-up psychomotor activity.

Specific symptoms for cannabis intoxication include motor performance deficits, anxiety, euphoria, impaired judgment, social withdrawal, the sensation that time has slowed down, red eyes, increased appetite, dry mouth, rapid heart rate.

Specific symptoms for cocaine intoxication include blunted affect, hypervigilance, interpersonal sensitivity, anger, anxiety, tension, changes in sociability, impaired judgment, impaired work or social functioning, slowed or rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, raised or lowered blood pressure, chills or sweating, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, speeded-up or slowed down psychomotor activity, muscle weakness, shallow or slowed breathing, chest pain or heart arrhythmias, confusion, coma.

Specific symptoms for hallucinogen intoxication include severe depression or anxiety, fears of becoming insane, persecutory ideas, impaired judgment, impaired work or social functioning dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, sweating, irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, tremors, poor coordination.

Specific symptoms of inhalant intoxication include apathy, assaultiveness or belligerence, impaired judgment, impaired work or social functioning, dizziness, poor coordination, slurring of speech, unsteady walking, lethargy, diminished reflexes, slowed psychomotor activity, tremors, general muscle weakness, blurred or double vision, euphoria, stupor or coma.

Although it is difficult to identify nicotine inforcers, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include dysphoria or depression, insomnia, anger, frustration, irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, restlessness, slowed heart rate, increase in appetite or weight, distress or impairment at work and social settings.

Specific symptoms of oploid intoxication include euphoria leading to apathy, depression or anxiety, speeded-up or slowed psychomotor activity, impaired judgment, impaired work and social functioning, sleepiness or coma, slurring of speech, impaired memory or attention (Morrison, 1995).

Home | Support RMI | Contact Us

Symptoms | Links | Commentaries