Final answer:
Substance Use Disorder is defined by compulsive drug use despite adverse consequences, with DSM-5 providing the diagnostic criteria. It involves both physical and psychological dependence, with withdrawal symptoms occurring upon cessation of use. Various substances affect different neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to potential addiction and requiring increased amounts to maintain effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Substance Use Disorder is a condition characterized by the compulsive use of a substance such as a psychoactive drug despite negative consequences that such use may entail. This disorder is often associated with both physical and psychological dependence, where cessation of drug use produces withdrawal symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is a critical tool used by clinicians to diagnose substance use disorders, outlining specific criteria that include a pattern of drug use which often escalates beyond the intended amount and continues despite adverse consequences.
Substances that commonly lead to dependence and addiction include alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, and opiates, among others. These substances affect different neurotransmitter systems in the brain such as GABA, dopamine, acetylcholine, adenosine, and the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system, thereby altering states of consciousness and leading to addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and individuals may develop tolerance, requiring larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect. Moreover, psychological dependence is characterized by a strong emotional need to use the substance to relieve distress.