Health topics
Toxicology and substance use
Health effects of alcohol and drugs, harmful exposures, withdrawal and poison-related emergencies.
Overview
About toxicology and substance use
Toxic exposures and substance-related conditions range from acute poisoning and dangerous withdrawal to long-term health complications. An exposure history and clinical evaluation are important, and suspected severe poisoning or withdrawal must be treated as a time-sensitive medical problem.
Alcohol use and withdrawal
3 references
Alcohol use disorder
Condition→Alcohol use disorderPreferred modern framework for “alcoholism”: DSM-5-TR alcohol use disorder, withdrawal safety and medication/behavioral treatment.
Delirium tremens
Condition→Delirium tremensSevere alcohol withdrawal with delirium, autonomic overactivity and seizure risk requiring urgent monitored treatment.
Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy
Length-dependent peripheral nerve injury linked to chronic heavy alcohol exposure and nutritional deficiency, causing burning pain, numbness, weakness and gait problems.
Environmental and exposure-related injury
2 references
Acid burn (chemical burn)
Corrosive chemical injury requiring immediate decontamination, irrigation for many exposures and urgent care for eye, airway or deep burns.
Decompression sickness
Pressure-related diving illness caused by inert-gas bubbles; concerning post-dive symptoms need oxygen, urgent dive-medicine assessment and possible recompression.
For diagnosis, treatment information and clinical sources, see the individual condition references. This page is a topical directory, not a clinical care guide.