psychiatric disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Key Points
Substance use disorder involves a pathologic pattern of behaviors in which patients continue to use a substance despite experiencing significant problems related to its use. Manifestations are categorized into impaired control over use, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacologic symptoms. The terms "addiction," "abuse," and "dependence" are vague and value-laden; it is preferable to speak of "substance use disorders" and focus on the specific manifestations and their severity. The consequences and treatment of substance use disorder vary greatly depending on the substance. 