In this chapter, we analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chemical dependence and acute poisoning. You will study how psychotropic substances interfere with neurotransmitter metabolism, turning episodic use into severe and irreversible pathology.
The section covers key types of chemical dependence: cannabis use disorder, cocaine dependence, opioid addiction, hallucinogen use, and chronic alcoholism. We will analyze in detail the pathogenesis of substance use disorders and substance abuse dynamically—from the initial stage through the middle stage to the final stage, which is accompanied by profound exhaustion of body systems. The second part of the chapter is dedicated to the fundamentals of toxicology: etiology and classification of poisonings, types of poisons, and pathogenetically substantiated treatment principles.
In classes and exams, instructors traditionally focus on the mechanisms of withdrawal syndrome formation (especially in opioid addiction and alcoholism) and require a clear differentiation of the stages of dependence. Also, be prepared to justify the principles of treating poisonings based on the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of specific types of poisons.