Introduction Substance abuse and dependence are considered significant problems in society, warranting identification and treatment. However, substance misuse, abuse, and dependence in older adults are complex issues that are often…
Introduction Substance abuse is being increasingly appreciated for contributing to overall mortality and morbidity in the United States. Yet, at the same time, substance use continues to be criminalized, especially…
Introduction The 12-step model to the treatment of addiction is the most popular therapeutic model in the United States, and most adherents of the 12-step approach consider spiritual growth singular…
Introduction Adolescent behavioral health problems are on the rise worldwide, particularly for impulse control disorders (ICDs) including substance abuse, delinquency, obesity, and HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for genetic and environmental…
Overview Substance use disorders represent complex phenotypes that result from the intricate interplay of genetic variation, neurobiological mechanisms, psychosocial variables, and environmental variables. To date, one of the least-studied factors…
Introduction Stereotypes and judgments about people with substance misuse problems are extremely prevalent and negative. The content of these stereotypes varies, with examples including “people who use drugs are immoral,”…
Introduction Comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) and other psychiatric disorders (dual diagnosis) in individuals who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common. Prevalence…
Mechanism of Action Methamphetamine is an indirect monoamine agonist that increases intracellular and extracellular levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Methamphetamine gains entry into neurons either as…
Acknowledgments The authors greatly appreciate the editing assistance of medical student Sean Doherty of Cardiff University School of Medicine. Historical Perspectives Psychoactive substances derived from botanicals have been used ritualistically…
History Opiates have been used for thousands of years, with evidence of opium poppy (known as Hul Gil, “joy plant”) cultivation more than 5000 years ago among the Sumerians in…
