Chapter 9 Homework: Substance Use DisordersTanya VarkeyPsychology 270March 11, 2014Chapter 9 Homework: Substance Use DisordersSubstance Use Disorder Substance use is a state in which an individual is dependent on a substance, harming their 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 consumption of this substance leads to behavioral problems, which in turn prevent the person from meeting professional and/or family standards. Substance intoxication refers to the state of intoxication due to the effect of the psychoactive substance used. The substance can either be a stimulant, increasing activity level, or a depressant which tends to slow down a person's activity level as well as consciousness. Abuse of these substances is driven by the feeling that individuals can avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms (Rosenberg & Kosslyn, 2011). Its negative cognitive effects, such as not thinking correctly or having good judgment, can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living. Depressants are a class of medications used by people with substance use disorders. Abuse of depressant medications can impair central nervous system activity, leading to decreased awareness and reduced brain activity (Rosenberg & Kosslyn, 2011). Tolerance and withdrawal are symptoms that depressant users experience if the substance is used regularly or even if it is stopped (Rosenberg and Kosslyn, 2011). Examples of depressants include alcohol and sedative-hypnotic types of medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Sedative-hypnotic drugs such as barbiturates and b...... middle of paper ...... where the person experiences a fainting spell, meaning they are not able to remember what s happened while she was drunk. In terms of treatment, abstinence is the main goal. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also offered to the extent that it can eventually lead the person to understand that such alcohol abuse can have several harmful consequences for health. 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 as well as romantic problems, she eventually sank into depression. Such a depressed personal life led her to become a constant consumer of alcohol. She thought this drug addiction would help her mentally, so no medical treatment or help was sought. Over time, her depression and alcohol addiction grew, eventually leading her to suicide..