Substance Use Disorders A Biopsychosocial Perspective

Psychoactive drug effects can be useful and pleasurable, but can also be dangerous, with the potential for development of substance use disorders (SUD). Although for most addictive drugs a minority of users develops an SUD, drug misuse is a significant public health hazard. In addition to biological toxicity, dangerous behavior, and other problems, an addictive lifestyle often accompanies compulsive drug use and brings isolation, dishonesty, and interpersonal difficulties. The causes of SUD are multiple and often difficult to identify, coming from genetic, neurological, psychiatric, developmental, and environmental factors. Adverse consequences may be delayed and of uncertain origin, rather than definite results of drug use. Causes and consequences of SUD are investigated by clinical observations, epidemiological surveys, studies of brain function and genetics, and controlled experiments, including research with animal subjects. SUD is identified by aberrant behaviors related to drug use, and, because of the numerous causes, is best viewed as biopsychosocial in nature.