Chapter 9 Homework: Substance Use DisorderTanya VarkeyPsychology 270March 11, 2014Chapter 9 Homework: Substance Use DisorderSubstance use disorder is a condition in which a individual depends on a substance, damaging his mental health. In such a disorder, continued use of the substance can affect a person's normal functioning in correlation with society. For example, excessive substance use leads to behavioral problems, which in turn cause the person to fail to meet work and/or family standards. Substance intoxication refers to the state of being high due to the effect of the psychoactive substance used. The substance can be a stimulant, which increases the activity level, or a depressant which tends to slow a person's activity level and awareness. Such substances are abused because people feel that they will be able to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms (Rosenberg and Kosslyn, 2011). Its negative cognitive effects, such as not thinking correctly or having poor judgment, can have a large impact on an individual's ability to carry out activities of daily living. Depressants are a category of drugs that people with substance use disorder use. Overuse of depressant drugs can hinder the activity of the central nervous system, causing decreased awareness and reduced brain activity (Rosenberg and Kosslyn, 2011). Tolerance and withdrawal are symptoms that depressant drug users experience if the substance is used regularly or even if it is discontinued (Rosenberg and Kosslyn, 2011). Examples of sedatives include alcohol and sedative-hypnotic types of drugs such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Sedative-hypnotic drugs such as barbiturates and b...... middle of paper ...... where the person experiences a blackout, meaning they are unable to remember what happened while they were drunk. In terms of treatment, abstinence is the main goal. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also provided as it can eventually lead the person to understand that such alcohol abuse can have several consequences that lead to health damage. In terms of application, there is an Indian actress named Silk Smitha. Due to the fact that she was not a successful producer, had financial difficulties and romantic problems, she eventually slipped into depression. Such a depressed personal life led her to be a constant abuser of alcohol. She believed this substance abuse would help her mentally, so no medical treatment or help was sought. As time passed, her depression and alcohol addiction increased, eventually leading her to suicide.