DRUG ADDICTION

Course overview

THE LAYMEN'S DEFINITION OF ADDICTION IS A "FACT OR CONDITION OF BEING ADDICTED TO A PARTICULAR SUBSTANCE, THING, OR ACTIVITY." MEDICALLY IT IS A "CHRONIC, RELAPSING DISORDER CHARACTERIZED BY COMPULSIVE DRUG SEEKING, CONTINUED USE DESPITE HARMFUL CONSEQUENCE, AND LONG-LASTING CHANGES IN THE BRAIN." THIS CURRENT OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY DEFINITION CAN BE TRACED BACK TO ROMAN LAW IN WHICH ADDICTION WAS A "FORMAL GIVING OVER BY SENTENCE OF THE COURT" ADDICTION IS A "CHRONIC, RELAPSING BRAIN DISEASE THAT LEADS TO MEDICAL, MENTAL, AND SOCIAL COMPLICATIONS. THIS ACTIVITY OUTLINES THE BIOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS, AND THE MOST COMMON TREATMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH THE CONDITION.