In those cases where intoxication occurs without any other constant drug or alcohol-related problems acute intoxication can be found as a major diagnosis. But if there are such concomitant difficulties it usually gives precedence to diagnose harmful use, dependence or psychotic disorder. The disturbance induced by the use of psychoactive substance is connected with learned reactions and pharmacological effects of the substance.
This condition resolves itself after some time with full recovery in most cases except for those situations where different complications such as tissue damage have appeared. So, acute intoxication is a temporary condition. Its effects disappear and intensity falls if a person doesn't continue using the substance.
Intoxication depends on the type of drug used. It is also closely related to dose levels and individual's stability and some other factors. Some people have underlying conditions that result in severe intoxication effect even after the consumption of small quantities of a substance. Cultural and personal expectations about the affects of the drug also influence the behavioral expression of intoxication.
Usually a drug is taken with the aim of achieving a certain level of intoxication. Inhibitions caused by some social surroundings should also be taken into account. Actually, the term ?acute intoxication? is mostly used regarding to consumption of alcohol. Facial twitching, unsteady gait, hyperactivity, slurred speech, euphoria, slowed reactions, talkativeness, impaired coordination and judgment are the well-known signs of alcohol intoxication.
Though acute intoxication is a transient condition it can still lead to health problems and complications. They include delirium, convulsions, traumas, coma and inhalation of vomit.
Symptoms of intoxication don't reflect the primary effect of the substance. Depressant drugs may cause agitation or increased activity and consumption of stimulant may lead to introverted types of behavior or social withdrawal. It's almost impossible to predict the effects of cannabis or hallucinogens. Besides, most psychoactive substances produce different types of effect when taken in different doses. One and the same drug can result in hyperactivity in small doses and produce strong sedate effect at very high levels.
Constant use of psychoactive substances raises the risks of dependence and addiction. In these cases acute intoxication still takes place, but it's not considered the main diagnosis any more. Acute withdrawal potential also needs to be cured. Many drug-users or alcoholics experience anxiety when being left without a substance they?ve got addicted to. Doses of anxiolytics are used in the treatment for the feeling of anxiety.
It must be noticed that while prescribing anxiolytics various factors must be taken into account. Many anxiolytics have side effects and there is a risk of developing addiction to them. Psychomotor impairment and sedation may also be caused by use of this medication. It must be remembered that drug addiction treatment is a long process with different methods existed.