Polysubstance dependence
Polysubstance Dependence
Polysubstance dependence (pronounced: poh-lee-sub-stans dih-pen-dens) is a medical term used to describe a condition where an individual is dependent on, or addicted to, multiple types of drugs or substances.
Etymology
The term is derived from the Greek word "poly" meaning many, and the Latin word "substantia" meaning substance. The term "dependence" comes from the Latin word "dependere" which means to hang from, be dependent on.
Definition
Polysubstance dependence is characterized by the use of at least three different types of substances in a 12-month period, not including caffeine or nicotine, which leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. This condition is often associated with a broader range of negative health effects than dependence on a single substance.
Related Terms
- Substance Dependence: A condition in which an individual is physically or psychologically dependent on a drug or alcohol.
- Substance Abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Addiction: A brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
- Withdrawal: The group of symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in intake of medications or recreational drugs.
- Tolerance: A state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug's effects over time.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polysubstance dependence
- Wikipedia's article - Polysubstance dependence
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