Substance Use 101
This term refers to the increasing need for a substance over time to achieve the same effect.
Tolerance
Why can tolerance increase overdose risk?
A person may take larger amounts to achieve the desired effect, increasing the risk of toxic effects.
What organ is primarily responsible for breaking down alcohol?
The liver.
True or False: People who begin using addictive substances before age 18 have a higher risk of developing an addiction than people who wait until age 21 or older.
True. A study found that about 1 in 4 people who started using before age 18 became addicted. In contrast, only about 1 in 25 of those who began using at age 21 or older developed an addiction.
True or False: Anxiety is always a mental illness.
False. Anxiety is a normal human emotion; it becomes a disorder when symptoms are excessive, persistent, and impair functioning.
True or False: Someone can have a SUD even if they don't use every day.
True
True or False: Naloxone can be given even if you're not completely sure someone overdosed on opioids.
True
What chemical in the brain increases when a person uses drugs and creates feelings of pleasure?
Dopamine
In 1935, the world's first widely used self-help group was founded to help people recover from alcoholism. What is its name?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
List the three "F" words most commonly associated with biological and psychological survival responses to a threat.
Fight, Flight, and Freeze.
BONUS QUESTION (double points): Can you list the fourth response that is sometimes added to Fight, Flight, and Freeze?
Name three areas of life that substance use can negatively impact.
Possible answers: relationships, employment, housing, finances, physical health, mental health, legal issues, school, responsibilities.
Name 3 substances that are stimulants.
Possible answers: Amphetamines, Caffeine, Cocaine, Crystal Meth, Nicotine, Tobacco
True or False? The brain can change and recover after substance use decreases or stops
True! It can repair connections and restore dopamine function after someone reduces or stops using substances. This process is possible because of neuroplasticity.
What is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world?
Caffeine
True or False: When someone has a co-occurring disorder or health condition, it is usually better to treat these health issues separately rather than at the same time.
False. Treating substance use and mental health together can make treatments more effective and improve health outcomes.
This can happen when a person stops using a substance or cuts back a lot after their body has become used to it.
Withdrawal symptoms
Name 3 substances that are depressants.
Possible answers: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opioids
What part of the brain is important for judgment and impulse control?
Prefrontal cortex
Which is more addictive: nicotine or caffeine?
Nicotine
What chemical, commonly known as the "happy" chemical, helps stabilize emotions and enhances feelings of well-being?
Serotonin
What are some common symptoms of a substance use disorder as described in the DSM? List at least 2.
Examples:
- Taking larger amounts of a substance or using it for longer than intended.
- Having a strong urge or craving to use the substance.
- Failing to cut down or control use.
- Continuing to use despite relationship, work, or school problems.
- Developing a tolerance, meaning you need more of the substance to get the same effect.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use.
What are some warning signs of an opioid overdose?
Slow, stopped, or abnormal breathing; inability to wake; blue/gray lips or skin can also occur.
Name 3 healthy ways to get dopamine.
regular exercise, proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep
Can someone become addicted to marijuana?
Yes. It is estimated that 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana will develop a cannabis use disorder, with a higher risk for people who begin using marijuana before the age of 18.
What is the psychological term for the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt well to adversity?
Resilience