Toxicomania

Toxicomania is a chronic mental and physical disorder characterized by compulsive need and dependence on psychoactive substances (drugs) or alcohol. People suffering from substance abuse often lose control over their substance use, become physically and psychologically dependent on it, and their lives and health are seriously affected. [1]

The main signs of substance abuse include:

1. Compulsive substance use: People with substance abuse often use drugs or alcohol in large quantities or for long periods of time.
2. Loss of control: They lose the ability to control their consumption and may not be able to resist using even if they understand its harms.
3. Tolerance: Over time, they need more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
4. Withdrawal Syndrome: They may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when they are not using the substance.
5. Spending a lotof time trying tofind and use asubstance: People with substance abuse may spend a lot of time trying to find and use drugs or alcohol.
6. Deterioration of important aspects of life: Toxic addiction often leads to poor physical health, social and family problems, as well as impaired behavior, job loss and loss of education.

Toxicomania is a serious mental and medical disorder that requires professional treatment and support. Treatment may include medication therapy, psychotherapy, group therapy, and various rehabilitation programs. It is important to remember that substance abuse can have devastating consequences, and seeking help early can promote recovery. [2]

Symptoms of the substance abuse

Drug addiction and substance abuse are conditions related to the abuse of drugs or other substances, and they can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. However, there are common signs and basic characteristics that can indicate drug addiction and substance abuse:

1. Astrong desire to use a substance: One of the main signs of substance abuse and addiction is a strong urge and desire to use drugs or other psychoactive substances. This desire can be so strong that it dominates other aspects of a person's life.
2. Loss of control over use: People with substance abuse or addiction often lose control over the amount and frequency of substance use. They may make a conscious decision not to use, but may not be able to keep their promise.
3. Physical and psychological dependence: Long-term use of drugs or toxicants can lead to the development of physical and psychological dependence. Physical dependence can manifest as withdrawal syndrome when attempting to stop using. Psychological dependence involves the need for a substance to achieve certain emotional states or escape from stress.

Toxicomania and drug addiction are two terms that describe addiction to substances, but they can have different shades of meaning and some similarities. Here are the main differences and similarities between these terms:

Scientific Definitions:

1. Addiction: Addiction, or narcolepsy, refers to dependence on narcotic substances such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and others. Addiction is characterized by physical and psychological dependence on these substances.
2. Toxicomania: Toxicomania can be a more general term that encompasses addiction to any toxic substance, including but not limited to drugs. This can include alcohol, strong medications, chemicals, and other toxins.

Similarities:

1. Dependence: Both drug addiction and substance abuse are characterized by a strong dependence on substances. People suffering from these conditions feel the need to consume the substance on a regular basis to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of deprivation.
2. Physical and psychological aspects: Both conditions have physical and psychological aspects. Physical dependence can manifest itself in physiological changes and symptoms when the substance is not being used. Psychological dependence has to do with the desire and need for the substance.
3. Potential consequences: Both conditions can cause serious physical and psychological consequences, including health problems, social isolation, legal problems, and even death.

Distinctions:

1. Substance Type: The main difference is that substance abuse refers to addiction to narcotic substances, while substance abuse can involve a wide range of toxic substances, including alcohol and chemicals.
2. Sociocultural factors: Drug abuse is often linked to a specific drug culture subject to criminal sanctions. Toxicomania may be more widespread and is not always linked to a drug culture.
3. Treatment and support: While both conditions require treatment and support, approaches to treatment and support may vary depending on the specific substance and individual circumstances.

It is important to note that both substance abuse and addiction are serious problems that require medical attention and support. If you or someone you love has an addiction problem, it is important to seek professional help and support. [3]

Neonatal withdrawal syndrome

This is a condition experienced by some newborns whose mothers used drugs or other addictive substances during pregnancy. This syndrome (NAS) is manifested by drug withdrawal in newborns, which causes physical and behavioral symptoms in infants. NAS can be caused by the use of opiates (such as heroin or morphine), amphetamines, barbiturates, and other drugs.

Causes of NAS include:

1. Maternal drug use: If a pregnant woman uses drugs such as opioids (e.g., heroin), cocaine, amphetamines, or other drugs, these substances can cross the placental barrier and affect the developing fetus.
2. Post-Birth Withdrawal Syndrome: When a baby is born and no longer receives drugs through the placenta, he or she may begin to exhibit withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, shaking, sleep disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, etc.
3. Isolation Removal: Newborns with NAS may be isolated from their mothers or may be placed in specialized wards for care and treatment.

Symptoms of NAS may include the following manifestations in newborns:

1. Behavioral changes: Nervousness, irritability, restlessness, restlessness, high frequency of crying.
2. Sleep: Difficulty sleeping, insomnia, restless dreams.
3. Feedingbehavior: Feeding problems, refusal of breast or bottle, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite.
4. Physical symptoms: Tremor (shaking), hyperactivity, high sensitivity to sound and light, muscle hypertonia (muscle tightness), excessive panting, breathing problems, rapid pulse.
5. Other symptoms: Weight loss, growth problems, seizures.

Treatment of NAS requires medical supervision and assistance. Depending on the severity of symptoms, infants may be prescribed certain medications to help them cope with the syndrome. This may include the use of methadone or other opioids that are gradually reduced to avoid severe withdrawal. Medical staff can also provide nutritional support and care for the infant.

It is important to emphasize that NAS is a serious condition, and prevention is best accomplished through the provision of care for pregnant women with substance abuse problems, as well as preventive education and support for maternal and child health.

Forms

Toxicomania can be caused by a variety of chemical substances including drugs, medications, and alcohol. Depending on the type of chemical substance a person is addicted to, there are different types of toxicomania. Here are a few types of toxicomania by type of chemical substance:

1. Drug addiction: This is addiction to narcotic substances such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, and other drugs. Drug addiction can involve injection, inhalation, or oral drug use.
2. Alcoholism: Alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol. People with alcohol dependence often abuse alcoholic beverages, which can lead to physical and psychological dependence. [4]
3. Medicationdependence: This is an addiction to medications, whether prescribed by a doctor or self-medicated. Medication dependence can include opiates, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, and other medications.
4. Tobacco dependence: Addiction to tobacco, including cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco. Nicotine in tobacco is a psychoactive substance that causes physical and psychological dependence.
5. Cannabinoid addiction: This is an addiction to products containing cannabinoids, such as marijuana. Cannabinoids can cause psychoactive effects and dependence.
6. Stimulant addiction: This is addiction to stimulant substances such as amphetamines and cocaine. These substances increase the activity of the nervous system and can be addictive.
7. Hallucinogen addiction: This is addiction to psychoactive substances that cause hallucinations and alter perception, such as LSD and psilocybe mushrooms.
8. Solvent Dependence: Dependence on inhalation of solvent vapors such as glue, paint, gasoline, and other chemicals.
9. Barbiturism is a condition caused by the abuse and/or misuse of barbiturates, which are a class of centrally acting depressants that have a depressant effect on the central nervous system. Barbiturates have been used in the past in medical practice as sleeping pills, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) and antiepileptic drugs. However, their use is now severely restricted because of the risk of addiction, overconsumption and potentially fatal overdose.
10. Caffeinism is an addiction to caffeine, which is a psychoactive substance found in coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, certain medications and other products. Caffeinism can develop in people who use caffeine in large amounts or on a regular basis, and it becomes the center of their behavior and life.
11. Muscarinism is a condition that occurs when muscarinic receptors in the body are overstimulated. Muscarin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with the activation of certain receptors in the nervous system and other tissues. Muscarinism can be caused by a variety of factors, including the use of certain medications or the inhalation of certain chemicals.
12. Chloralism is a condition caused by the use or overdose of chloral hydrate, which is a centrally acting sleeping and sedative drug. Chloral hydrate is commonly used to treat insomnia, but its abuse or misuse can cause serious physical and psychological problems.
13. The term "insulinomania" is used to describe a person's pathological or abnormal craving insulin or uncontrolled use of insulin beyond medical necessity. This phenomenon can be dangerous and can have serious health consequences.

Diagnostics of the substance abuse

The diagnosis of substance abuse is usually made by specialists in the field of psychiatry or addiction medicine. It involves a variety of methods and assessment criteria to determine whether addiction to drugs or alcohol is present. It is important to note that self-diagnosis of substance abuse is not sufficiently reliable, and consultation with a qualified professional is required for an accurate diagnosis. [5] Here are some of the methods and criteria used in the diagnosis of substance abuse:

1. Clinical interview: The specialist interviews the patient to gather information about their drug or alcohol use, history of use, withdrawal symptoms, health and life consequences.
2. Questionnaires and Questionnaires: There are a number of standardized questionnaires and questionnaires such as AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) that help to assess drug or alcohol use and risks.
3. Physical Examination: The physician may perform a physical examination of the patient to assess the physical effects of drug or alcohol use.
4. Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests such as urine, blood, and hair tests can help detect traces of drugs or alcohol in the body.
5. Psychological evaluation: A psychological evaluation can be conducted by a specialist to assess the psychological and psychopathological aspects of substance abuse and its impact on the patient.
6. Assessment of social consequences: An important part of the diagnosis is to assess the social and family consequences of substance abuse, such as job loss, relationship breakdown, etc.
7. Diagnosticcriteria: To diagnose substance abuse, a professional may use standard diagnostic criteria such as the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) criteria for drug or alcohol disorders.

Treatment of the substance abuse

Substance abuse treatment typically follows several steps and includes clinical guidelines developed by addiction and psychotherapy professionals. [6], [7] Here are the common steps and clinical guidelines for substance abuse treatment:

1. Stage 1: Assessment and Diagnosis:

   • The first step is to conduct a diagnosis and assessment of substance abuse, including the type of substances used, the degree of addiction, and the patient's physical condition.
   • Consultation with a narcologist, psychiatrist and other specialists is recommended for an individualized treatment plan.

2. Stage 2: Detoxification:

   • If the patient is physically dependent on drugs, a detoxification process is initiated to cleanse the body of substances.
   • Detoxification is supervised by medical staff and may include medication support to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

3. Stage 3: Psychotherapy and counseling:

   • Psychotherapy is a major component of treatment. A variety of techniques may be used, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and others.
   • The goal of psychotherapy is to help the patient develop healthy coping strategies to deal with stress, manage temptations, and work to restore psychological well-being.

4. Stage 4: Pharmacotherapy:

   • Some patients may require pharmacotherapy, especially when dependent on certain substances such as opioids or alcohol.
   • Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone can be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

5. Stage 5: Social support and rehabilitation:

   • Patients are provided with social support and rehabilitation, including employment training, education programs, and assistance in regaining social skills.
   • Family therapy can also be an important part of treatment.

6. Stage 6: Maintenance and relapse prevention:

   • After completing active treatment, patients should continue to participate in a maintenance and relapse prevention program.
   • This stage includes regular group sessions, sharing experiences with other recovering individuals, and support from professionals and family.

7. Self-help and support groups:

   • Participating in self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be an additional source of support and inspiration.

Prevention

Prevention of substance abuse, or substance dependence, involves many strategies and interventions that help prevent this dangerous problem from developing. Here are some basic prevention steps:

1. Education and Awareness:

   • Conducting educational programs on the harmful use of drugs and alcohol among children and youth.
   • Supporting decision-making skills training and building self-esteem.

2. Parenting:

   • Parents should communicate with their children about the consequences of drug and alcohol use and be sensitive to their concerns and questions.
   • Establishing clear rules and boundaries around substance use.

3. Early detection and intervention:

   • Providing access to counseling and support services for those at risk or with initial signs of substance abuse.
   • Carefully observing changes in the behavior and lifestyle of friends and family members that may indicate substance problems.

4. Building psychological resilience:

   • The process of developing coping skills to deal with stress, anxiety and peer pressure.
   • Supporting psychological health and seeking help for depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.

5. Social Skills:

   • Training in effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution to reduce the likelihood of using substances as a way of coping.

6. Environmental Support:

   • Creating safe and supportive environments for youth where they can find positive friends and a variety of activities.
   • Participate in community and youth programs that promote healthy lifestyles.

7. Access Restriction:

   • Keeping medicines and alcohol out of reach of children and young people.
   • Enforcing strict laws on the sale and distribution of substances.

Prevention requires a collaborative effort between society, families and individuals. Prevention of substance abuse begins with awareness and support, as well as active participation in various programs and initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of substance dependence.

A list of some of the books and studies related to the study of substance abuse

1. "Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook" - by Joyce H. Lowinson, Pedro Ruiz, Robert B. Millman (Year of publication: 2019)
2. "Addiction Medicine: Science and Practice" - by John B. Saunders, Katherine M. Conigrave, et al. (Year of publication: 2020)
3. "Substance Use Disorders: A Guide for the Primary Care Provider" by Audrey A. Klein, Gerald M. Aronoff (Year of publication: 2016)
4. "The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine" by Richard K. Ries, David A. Fiellin, et al. (Year of publication: 2018)
5. "Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction" - by Howard Abadinsky (Year of publication: 2019)
6. "Addiction Recovery Management: Theory, Research, and Practice" by John F. Kelly, Julie Yeterian (Year of publication: 2010)
7. "Addiction and Recovery For Dummies" - by Brian F. Shaw, Paul Ritvo (Year of publication: 2004)

Literature

• Ivanets, N. N. Narcology. National manual. Brief edition / ed. By N. N. Ivanets, M. A. Vinnikova. - Moscow : GEOTAR-Media, 2020.
• Maya Rokhlina: Addictions. Toxicomanias. Mental and behavioral disorders. LitTerra, 2010.