Substance Abuse/Dependence Disorders
While substance abuse and dependence is not technically a mental disorder it does severely impact people’s lives and inhibits people as much as or more than mental disorders.
Substance abuse and dependence disorders refer to the addiction to, and abuse or, drugs or alcohol. Many young adults experiment during college with drugs and alcohol and while the vast majority of individuals do not develop an abuse or dependence problem, using substance to manage emotional problems or daily stressors represents a sign of problems. Additionally, substance abuse can lead to substance dependence when an individual does not seek treatment and both often lead to poor decision making, legal problems, and interpersonal relationship breakups.
Abused Substances
The most frequently abused substances in college include:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana (pot, weed, hash)
- Illicit stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine)
- Pain management medication (Hydrocodone, Loratab, Percocet, Oxycodone)
- Hallucinogens (mushrooms, LSD, PCP, ecstasy)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343