KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

COURSE UNIT : MENTAL HEALTH

YEAR : THREE

SEMESTER : ONE

SESSION : DAY

COURSE : BSW

LECTURER : MR. SHAMIRAH NASSIWA

GROUP MEMBERS
S/NO NAME REG NO SIGN
1 MBABAZI MONICCA 2020-08-01302
2 NAKAMOGA VIOLA 2020-01-00451
3 BIRUNGI SHARON DISAN 2018-08-02977
4 WANYOTO EDWARD 2020-01-01054
QUESTION
Substance related disorder and addiction
Substance related disorder, or addiction, is a disease that affects the brain and
behavior and leads to peoples’ inability to control their use of certain addictive
substances.

Classification and terminology

Substance-related disorders were originally subcategorized into "substance use

disorders" (SUD) and "substance-induced disorders" (SID). Though DSM-IV makes a
firm distinction between the two, SIDs often occur in the context of SUDs.

Substance-induced disorders

Substance-induced disorders include medical conditions that can be directly attributed

to the use of a substance. These conditions include intoxication, withdrawal, substance-
induced delirium, substance-induced psychosis, and substance-induced mood disorders.

Substance use disorders

Substance use disorders include substance use and substance dependence. In DSM-IV,

the conditions are formally diagnosed as one or the other, but it has been proposed
that DSM-V combine the two into a single condition called "Substance-use disorder

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders can refer to substance use or substance dependence.

Symptoms

Symptoms of substance use disorders may include:

 Behavioral changes, such as:

o Drop in attendance and performance at work or school

o Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)

o Using substances in physically hazardous situations such as while driving or

operating a machine
 o Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors

o Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

o Unexplained change in personality or attitude

o Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts

o Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness

o Lacking motivation

o Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason

 Physical changes, such as:

o Bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils

o Sudden weight loss or weight gain

o Deterioration of physical appearance

o Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

o Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

 Social changes, such as:

o Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

o Legal problems related to substance use

o Unexplained need for money or financial problems

o Using substances even though it causes problems in relationships

Types of Substance Use Disorders

The DSM provides diagnostic criteria for 10 classes of SUD, which, excluding caffeine
and tobacco, includes:
 Alcohol use disorder.
 Cannabis use disorder, also known as marijuana use disorder.
 Phencyclidine use disorder, a type of hallucinogen.
 Other hallucinogen-use disorder, which includes hallucinogens other than
phencyclidine.
 Inhalant use disorder.
 Opioid use disorder.
 Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic use disorder, which includes substances like
benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-like drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien), carbamates,
and barbiturates.
 Stimulant use disorder, which includes substances
like cocaine or methamphetamine.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Generally, it is better to treat the SUD and the co-occurring mental disorders together
rather than separately. Thus, people seeking help for a SUD and other mental disorders
need to be evaluated by a health care provider for each disorder. Because it can be
challenging to make an accurate diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms, the provider
should use comprehensive assessment tools to reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis
and provide targeted treatment.

It also is essential that treatment, which may include behavioral therapies and
medications, be tailored to an individual’s specific combination of disorders and
symptoms, the person’s age, the misused substance, and the specific mental
disorder(s). Talk to your health care provider to determine what treatment may be best
for you and give the treatment time to work.

Behavioral Therapies

Research has found several behavioral therapies that have promise for treating
individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Health care providers
may recommend behavioral therapies alone or in combination with medications.
Some examples of effective behavioral therapies for adults with SUDs and
different co-occurring mental disorders include the following:

 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy aimed at

helping people learn how to cope with difficult situations by challenging irrational
thoughts and changing behaviors.
 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT uses concepts of mindfulness and
acceptance or being aware of and attentive to the current situation and emotional
state. DBT also teaches skills that can help control intense emotions, reduce self-
destructive behaviors (e.g., suicide attempts, thoughts, or urges; self-harm; and
drug use), and improve relationships.
 Assertive Community Treatment (ACT): This is a form of community-based
mental health care that emphasizes outreach to the community and an
individualized treatment approach.
 Therapeutic Communities (TC): TCs are a common form of long-term residential
treatment that focuses on helping people develop new and healthier values,
attitudes, and behaviors.
 Contingency Management (CM): CM principles encourage healthy behaviors by
offering vouchers or rewards for desired behaviors.

Behavioral Therapies for Children and Adolescents

Some effective behavioral treatments for children and adolescents include:

 Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT): BSFT therapy targets family interactions

thought to maintain or worsen adolescent SUDs and other co-occurring problem
behaviors.
 Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT): MDFT works with the whole family
to simultaneously address multiple and interacting adolescent problem behaviors,
such as substance use, mental disorders, school problems, delinquency, and others.
 Multisystemic Therapy (MST): MST targets key factors associated with serious
antisocial behavior in children and adolescents with SUDs.

Medications

Effective medications exist for treating opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addiction and

lessening the symptoms of many other mental disorders. Some medications may be
useful in treating multiple disorders. For more information on behavioral treatments and
medications for SUDs, visit NIDA’s Drug Facts and Treatment pages and treatment for
mental disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) Health
Topics page.

Biological and Psychological Causes of Addiction

There is still a lot of research being done into the various causes and effects of alcohol
and drug abuse, and there is a long way to go until the disease is fully understood.
However, several major factors can lead to people developing drug abuse problems.

Some of these factors are biological or psychological and could include one or
more of the following causes:

Genetic Disposition to Abuse

You may have heard someone say they have “an addictive personality.” While we can’t
really confirm that, many people are predisposed to having drug or alcohol abuse
problems due to their genes. This may make them  more likely to develop an abuse
problem. However, not all people with a genetic predisposition develop drug or alcohol
dependencies. Just because someone’s mother or father suffered a drug dependency
does not necessarily mean the child will develop similar issues. In most cases,
substance abuse arises from a complex combination of factors, and genetics could be
one of them.
Mental Health

People with a history of mental health disorders are more likely to develop substance
abuse problems than other people. Studies show that 60% of adolescents being treated
for substance abuse disorder met diagnostic criteria for other mental illnesses as well.
People diagnosed with substance abuse disorder are often simultaneously diagnosed
with another mental health disorder, and vice versa.

Stress

People who experience excessive amounts of stress, no matter the cause, have an
increased vulnerability to substance abuse. One way to define substance abuse is as a
maladaptive coping strategy to stress. Exposure to stressors at an early age or for long
periods throughout one’s life can cause chemical reactions in the brain, which increase
the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors later in life.

Social and Environmental Factors

The environment in which one lives can significantly influence their lifestyle, choices,
and preferences. For example, children and adolescents exposed to drug or alcohol
abuse at home are more likely to start using substances themselves than children who
are not. This is the clearest example of how the environment can influence people, but
many other impactful social and environmental factors can lead to addictive behavior.

Childhood Neglect or Trauma

There is a huge link between childhood trauma and adult substance dependency.
During childhood is when people’s brains undergo the most change and development.
Neural pathways are created, changed, and sometimes discarded due to environmental
stimulation. A person’s brain development is seriously affected by the things that go on
during childhood. Studies have shown that witnessing or receiving abuse, neglect, loss
of a parent, or having a family member who suffers from a mental or physical illness
during childhood often leads to people developing mental illness or substance abuse
disorders as adults.

Poor Social Skills or Lack of Social Support

While familial or spousal support is often a key to recovery from substance abuse, lack
of support is a key factor in developing a substance abuse problem. People who have a
social support system or a cohesive family are much less likely to develop mental
illnesses or substance abuse disorders.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure has consistently been found to affect people’s likelihood of developing a
dependency on substances, especially in teens and adolescents. Many individuals who
developed a dependency early on were first encouraged to use that substance by their
peers.

Believing Addictive Substances Aren’t Bad

People coming from communities, families, or peer groups in which drug or alcohol use
is common are more likely to develop a substance dependency later on. This is
especially true of teenagers and younger individuals who were never exposed to the
idea that drug and alcohol use was a bad thing and were unaware of the inherent risks
and side effects before developing substance dependency.

Behavior Linked Causes

Aside from the psychological and environmental factors leading to drug or alcohol
dependency, many behavioral factors also impact an individual’s relationship with
substances. Some of these include the desire to experience the feelings of pleasure that
many drugs provide or to enhance performance or creativity. Other people develop
addictions as an attempt to self-medicate for depression, chronic pain, and other
problems. If people begin noticing that certain drugs or alcohol cures one of these
problems or helps them perform better in a given area, they are more likely to continue
desiring that effect and using the substance. Over time, repeated use leads to
addiction, and they are unable to quit using the intoxicant.

Long-Term Effects of Drug or Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to many serious long-term health problems, especially
when used in large doses or in combination. Using drugs or alcohol can cause
dehydration-induced seizures and damage immune systems. This increases
susceptibility to infection and further complications, psychotic behavior, and serious
cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and collapsed veins. It can also cause
liver overexertion or liver failure, among other dangerous side effects.

ADDICTION

Addiction is a chronic condition that causes compulsive drug-seeking and uses despite
harmful consequences. It is a brain disease that alters how the brain works, so one
becomes unable to control their impulses and priorities.

Addictive disorders are a group of conditions characterized by repeated drug use that
causes significant impairment or distress, such as substance dependence, substance
abuse, and substance-induced disorders. 

Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of

addiction can vary by substance and may include physical, behavioral, and social
changes. 

1. Physical Symptoms: Some physical symptoms of addiction include a lack of

coordination, blurred vision, and slurred speech. These symptoms are often related to
the use of alcohol or drugs.
2. Behavioral Symptoms: Some behavioral symptoms of addiction include a change
in sleeping habits, eating habits and activity levels. Other behavioral symptoms include
aggressive behavior or withdrawal from friends or family members. 

3. Social Symptoms: Some social symptoms of addiction include isolation from

friends and family members, loss of interest in work or school activities, and continued
use despite negative consequences such as legal problems or financial issues

Major Characteristics & Examples of Addictive Behavior

 The major characteristics of addictive disorders are:

1. Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol even though it is causing harm to your life and
relationships (e.g., problems with work, school, or family)
2. A strong desire to take the substance or engage in the behavior even when you
know it’s causing harm
3. Spending a great deal of time trying to obtain the substance or engage in the
behavior
4. People with this disorder also have difficulty controlling the amount of intake.
5. Withdrawal symptoms when they stop engaging in the behavior

Types of Addiction

There are many different types of addiction, but they all have one thing in common:
they can be dangerous and life-threatening. Here are some of the most common forms
of addiction that you should be aware of:

Alcohol Addiction: This type of addiction occurs when a person has a physical or

psychological dependence on alcohol. When someone is addicted to alcohol, they may
experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking or reduce their consumption.
Prescription Drug Addiction: Prescription drug addiction occurs when a person takes
more than their doctor prescribed or uses drugs that were not prescribed for them. It
can also occur when someone uses prescription medications without having any kind of
physical or mental problem that requires such treatment.

Drug Addiction: Drugs like opioids can cause addiction because they affect the
pleasure centers in your brain. They make you feel good and make it difficult for you to
stop using them even after you’ve developed a physical dependence on them. It’s also
possible for people who use drugs recreationally to become addicted if they take too
much overtime or if their body develops tolerance (they need more and more over
time).

Heroin Addiction: Heroin is an illegal opioid drug that causes users to feel euphoric
and relaxed when they use it.

Video game addiction (also known as “internet gaming disorder”) is a form of

behavioral addiction that involves playing video games for extended periods of time
without stopping. It can lead to poor academic performance and social isolation from
friends and family members.

Sexual addiction:  involves engaging in risky sexual behaviors without concern for

consequences. It can lead to unsafe sex practices such as unprotected sex or engaging
with multiple partners without using protection against STIs or pregnancy. Women who
have been sexually abused may be at higher risk for developing this type of problem
because they have trouble trusting other people after being violated by someone they
trusted with their bodies and lives.

Addiction vs. Dependence

Addiction: It is a brain disease that makes you crave drugs or alcohol, and you won’t be
able to control yourself. Addiction is a condition that occurs when you engage in a
behavior (alcohol, drugs, sex) that you know is unhealthy or harmful. 
You do this despite negative consequences. Addiction can be categorized as substance
use disorder (SUD), behavioral addiction, and process addiction. 

People with an addictive disorder may experience tolerance (the need to increase the
amount they use to achieve the desired effect), withdrawal symptoms when they stop
using or doing something they have become dependent on, and negative effects on
their health, relationships, and other areas of life.

Try for Free: Antisocial Personality Disorder Quiz

Dependence on the other hand is when you become physically and mentally dependent
on drugs or alcohol so that your body needs it to function normally. When you don’t
have it, you will feel sick and have withdrawal symptoms. This can last for months or
years after you stop using drugs or alcohol.

Types of Addictive Disorders

Addictive disorders are a class of mental health conditions characterized by a

compulsive desire to engage in specific activities or behaviors. These behaviors can be
harmful to the individual engaging in them, as well as to others around them.

Addiction is not just limited to the abuse of drugs and alcohol; there are many different
kinds of addictive disorders that fall under this category. Some examples include:

 Alcoholism: An alcohol use disorder is characterized by an inability to limit

drinking despite negative consequences, including health problems and social
impairment.
 Drug addiction: A drug use disorder is characterized by an ongoing compulsion
to seek and use drugs despite negative consequences.
 Food addiction: A food use disorder is characterized by an ongoing compulsion
to seek food despite negative consequences, such as weight gain or obesity.
  Gambling disorder: A gambling use disorder is characterized by an ongoing
compulsion to gamble despite negative consequences, including financial
problems.
Treatment and Coping Mechanisms to Handle Addictions

There are many different forms of addiction, but they all stem from one thing: a desire
for something. Whether it’s a drug or alcohol, nicotine or gambling, food or sex, the
underlying cause is always the same: wanting something more than you want to be
healthy and happy.

The good news is that there are treatments available for all types of addictions. For
example, inpatient treatment facilities offer residential treatment programs where
patients can receive detoxification care while learning how to cope with their addiction
over an extended period of time.

Outpatient treatment centers offer outpatient services on an as-needed basis so that

patients can continue working while receiving treatment for their addiction. With this
type of program, they’ll still be able to go home every night instead of staying in a
hospital or other facility overnight.

Conclusion

Addictive behaviors are often characterized by a loss of control over consumption,

continuing to use despite negative consequences and an inability to stop using it.
However, there are treatments and coping mechanisms available for it. It is important
to seek help when you notice symptoms of this disorder in yourself or in someone you
know.
 References

Aldhous, Peter (2008-04-09). "'Drug binge' mice reveal why cravings

linger". Newscientist. Retrieved 2011-10-08.

American Psychiatric Publishing (2013). "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders (Fifth ed.)".

substance-related disorders" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary

Marc Galanter; Herbert D. Kleber (2008). The American Psychiatric Publishing textbook

of substance abuse treatment. American Psychiatric Pub. p. 59. ISBN 978-1-58562-276-
4. Retrieved 23 April 2010.

Michael B. First; Allen Frances; Harold Alan Pincus (2004). DSM-IV-TR guidebook.

American Psychiatric Pub. pp. 123–. ISBN 978-1-58562-068-5. Retrieved 23 April 2010.