Substance disorders - cocaine - Essay Example

The paper is written to inform the reader about this drug from the categories of the DSM-IV through the issues of treatment. According to King, Davison, Neale and Johnson (2007), substance related disorders are defined as disorders in which drugs such as alcohol and cocaine are abused to such an extent that behavior becomes maladaptive, social and occupational functioning are impaired and control or abstinence becomes impossible. Reliance on the drug may be psychological as in substance abuse or physiological as in substance dependence or addiction.

According to the DSM IV TR the following is the criteria for substance dependence and abuse: A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period: 7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).

One of which outlines whether substance dependence is; With physiologic dependence (evidence of tolerance or withdrawal) or Without physiologic dependence (no evidence of tolerance or withdrawal). In addition, remission categories are classified into four subtypes: 1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (such as repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household). 4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated