Intoxication leads to a substance-specific syndrome that follows recent ingestion of the psychoactive substance. The syndrome includes various types of maladaptive behavior, such as belligerence and poor judgment.
Withdrawal, a substance-specific syndrome follows cessation of or reduction in intake of a psychoactive substance that was previously used regularly to induce a state of intoxication generalized reduction in goal-directed behavior for example, going to school or work, together with conflicts such as inability to concentrate, is a common consequence of prolonged heavy use of a psychoactive substance. There may also be set backs in which the person re-experiences one or more of the perceptual symptoms, such as hallucinations, that were originally experienced while intoxicated.
Some mood and behavior-modifying substances ' have medical uses. Physicians prescribe these substances to reduce pain, relieve tension, or aid in limiting food intake by sup pressing appetite. Although the use of these substances is common in many cultural groups, there are some subcultural differences. Some religious groups, such as Moslems, frown on the use of alcohol. Mormons are expected to avoid not only alcohol but also coffee, tea, and other products that contain caffeine. On the other hand, some subcultural groups not only use alcohol but view the use of illegal substances such as marijuana or cocaine as a legitimate recreational activity.
Throughout history people have used a variety of substances to modify their moods and behavior. The use of some substances has become so common that it is considered normal and even appropriate; examples include champagne toasts for the New Year and a cigar for the new baby. A majority of adults use alcohol as a recreational drink; many individuals, from children to elderly people, use caffeine in the form of coffee, tea, or cola drinks as a stimulant; and a great many teenagers and adults use nicotine in the form of cigarettes.