4.17 : 睡眠に影響を与える物質使用障害

Substance use disorders involve repeatedly consuming more of a substance, such as alcohol, prescription medications, or caffeine, than intended, despite efforts to control use. For example, a person might continue to use sleeping pills long after the prescription period.

These drugs include both — legal substances like caffeine and alcohol and illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Overuse of drugs like caffeine disrupts sleep and fosters dependence, leading to compulsive use.

Over time, the body gets adjusted to caffeine, so much so that its presence is necessary for normal function and to avoid withdrawal symptoms like headache or fatigue leading to physical dependency on the drug.

Likewise, an individual may feel a strong need to drink caffeine to enhance mood or manage stress, leading to psychological dependency on the drug.

Such dependencies originate from the brain's reward system, boosting dopamine to enhance pleasure and reinforce drug use, similar to chocolate's effect on mood.

Additionally, tolerance develops when the drug's effects lessen with use, like in the case of painkillers, prompting patients to consume higher doses.