The word "toxicomania" is a combination of two roots, "toxico-" meaning poison and "mania" meaning madness. The correct spelling of this word follows the rules of English phonetics. The first syllable "toxo" is pronounced as /tɒksəʊ/, and the second syllable "mani" is pronounced as /meɪni/. When combined, the word is pronounced as /tɒksəʊˈmeɪniə/. Toxicomania refers to an addiction to drugs or other toxic substances, leading to a self-destructive behavior pattern.
Toxicomania refers to a compulsive and uncontrollable desire or addiction to toxic substances, particularly drugs or alcohol. The term combines the word "toxic," which implies something harmful or poisonous, with "mania," signifying an intense and irrational urge or obsession. Toxicomania is primarily a medical term used in psychiatry and addiction medicine to describe a pathological condition characterized by excessive and chronic substance abuse.
Individuals suffering from toxicomania exhibit prominent symptoms such as an overpowering craving for drugs, an inability to control or resist drug use despite negative consequences, and a tolerance that necessitates larger quantities of the substance to achieve the desired effect. The condition is also marked by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not consumed, leading to physical and psychological distress.
Toxicomania is categorized as a substance use disorder and can have severe detrimental effects on various aspects of an individual's life, including personal relationships, occupational functioning, and overall health and well-being. The condition is often associated with psychological co-morbidities such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, adding further complexity to its diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for toxicomania typically involves a multi-modal approach encompassing psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. Detoxification may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms, followed by gradual rehabilitation to facilitate the individual's recovery and reintegration into society.
A craving for any poison.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word toxicomania derives from the combination of two Greek roots: toxico meaning poison, and mania meaning madness or insanity.