Defining Substance Use Disorders: Terminology and Scope The concepts of alcohol and drug abuse, now often consolidated under the umbrella term Substance Use Disorder (SUD), represent a profound public health and psychological challenge globally. Historically, distinctions were made between ‘abuse’ and ‘dependence,’ where abuse referred to maladaptive patterns leading to adverse consequences, and dependence implied […]
Introduction and Definitions The concept of alcohol and other drug abuse, often categorized clinically under the umbrella term of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), represents a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. This disorder is defined not merely by the quantity or frequency of substance consumption, but by […]
Defining Anabolic and Performance Enhancing Drugs Anabolic Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs, commonly abbreviated as APEDs, represent a broad category of substances used non-medically to alter physical appearance or improve athletic capability. The core component of this group is Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS), which are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. These compounds are designed […]