Abuse dependence disorders

While genetic studies provide clear evidence that a substantial proportion of the variation in risk for developing a substance abuse or dependence disorder is accounted for by genetic variation, these studies also point to a significant environmental contribution. Although environmental determinants of risk for substance abuse or dependence are undoubtedly complex, recent work has indicated that environmental stress can... 

Substance Abuse (SA) disinhibits individuals and exacerbates underlying psychiatric difficulties, leading to increased impulsively and violence. High rates of substance dependence disorders were found in 50 youths in a juvenile detention center and in youths who carry weapons to school (Pliszka et al., 2000 Bell et al., 2001). 

PTSD is linked with the increased likelihood of other psychiatric disorders occurring at the same time. Some 88% of men and 79% of women with PTSD meet the criteria for another psychiatric disorder. The most common disorders that men have at the same time as PTSD are alcohol abuse or dependence (51.9%), major depressive episodes (47.9%), conduct disorders (43.3%), and drug abuse and dependence (34.5%). The psychiatric disorders that most frequently cooccur with PTSD in women are major depressive disorders (48.5%), simple phobias (29%), social phobias (28.4%), and alcohol abuse/dependence (27.9%). These statistics may indicate that people with PTSD are more susceptible to psychiatric disturbances in general. 

It is estimated that 25-50% of patients in long-term care facilities suffer from neuropsychiatric disorders that are functionally impairing/ At least 26% of incarcerated adults and 52% of children in the juvenile justice system meet criteria for a DSM-IV-TR disorder/ When substance abuse/dependency is included in the adult population, the incidence rises to 71%. Psychiatric pharmacist specialists can provide consultation on optimizing drug therapy for patients in these settings. 

Most adults use alcohol. Table 5.1 shows the 2004 National Household Survey of the percentages of adults age 18—25 and 26 and older who drink alcohol, binge drink (5 or more drinks at one sitting), or have an alcohol abuse or dependence disorder. ... 

At least with regard to cocaine and heroin, the vast majority of the money spent on these illegal drugs in the United States is by chronic users (those people with abuse or dependence disorders). According to a report prepared for ONDGP, 84.4 percent of the expenditures for cocaine were spent by chronic users of this... 

The overall goal of the activities in this area is to reduce the number of people with substance abuse or substance dependence disorders. This means that there would be a heavy emphasis on young people, but there would also be a focus on people who are using alcohol and other drugs but who have not developed an abuse or dependence disorder. 

---