Clinical Description
Most Americans try or use at least one substance that sometimes results in further use, abuse, or eventual addiction during their lifetime. Caffeine, tobacco products, and alcohol are the three most frequently used substances. Many people learn from negative experiences and do not continue to use the substance, or the lifestyle with many negative consequences of substance abuse deteriorates as one grows older. The substance-related disorders described in DSM-IV-TR include disorders related to the following:
- Use of drugs of abuse
- Medications
- Toxin exposures that may be accidental or intentional