Substance use and the Brain
Sometimes addiction can be directly linked to deeply disturbing or distressing experiences that occurred earlier in life all of which is referred to as: _____
Trauma/PTSD
A behavioral syndrome characterized by the repeated, compulsive seeking or use of a substance despite adverse social, psychological, and/or physical consequences, and a need for an increased amount of the substance, as time goes on, to achieve the same effect
What is an addiction?
What are some protective factors and some risk factors that impact recovery?
Protective factors: family support, treatment options, mental heath treatment, financial means, social bonds etc.
Risk factors: homelessness, anhedonia, strained family relationships, social isolation, stress, etc.
The oldest known intoxicating substance used specifically for recreational purposes (even dating back to ancient times)
Alcohol
HALT
Long term substance abuse causes difficulties in which areas of function and living?
- handling stress
- impulse control
- learning and memory
- emotional management
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It takes more and more of a substance to get the same effect which often fuels the desire and need for using larger amounts
Tolerance
For the best chance of staying sober, what is the MINIMUM length of time a person should stay in treatment?
90 days
This drug is often used as a medicine because it contains chemicals that relax the body and can relieve pain
This drug was involved in nearly 70% of drug related overdose deaths in the US in 2019.
Opioids, including illegal heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl
name three coping skills you can use to handle a craving
your choice
Long term Substance use causes an excess of this brain chemical, which is related to motivation, pleasure, and reward. The brain stops producing this chemical naturally when a person is in sobriety
Dopamine!
A person, place, thing or event that can result in psychological and then physical relapse
A Trigger
With more severe addiction, particularly opioids, if the withdrawal or cravings are overwhelming it may be wise to consider seeing a doctor for this kind of treatment
MATS (medication assisted treatment including subaxone and methadone)
What is the most commonly abused drug across the nation?
Marijuana
Emotional- stress, anger, unhandled anxiety and depression
Mental- romanticizing use, thinking of ways to get substance, thinking of ways you could get away with using, thinking you could use just once
Physical- the act of obtaining and using the drug
Warning Signs: missing appointments, isolating from others, lying, not taking care of yourself anymore, having chronic stress, sleep problems, etc.
Stimulants such as cocaine, speed and methamphetamine, when taken for long periods can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoid delusions called
Substance use-induced psychosis
the cluster of ongoing withdrawal symptoms, which are largely psychological and mood-related, that can continue after acute withdrawal symptoms have gone away
What is PAWS?
True or False: detoxing from drugs is enough treatment to successfully recover from a substance use disorder
Medical detox is only the first stage in addiction treatment. It is critical that treatment is long enough and addressed multiple factors impacting a person including mental health, housing, physical health, and relationships
This substance claims more lives than any other addictive substance
Tobacco
What is the most effective way to feel better when suffering from anhedonia?
Exercise (adrenaline and endorphins are minor painkillers)
this trait helps us learn new skills and retrain our brain. As the brain can change in a negative way as observed in drug addiction, the brain can also change in a positive way when we adopt skills learned in therapy and form new, healthier habit
neuroplasticity
the inability to feel joy. Most of the time its a symptom of Major Depressive Disorder. But, it can also occur in the first 2-12 months of sobriety when recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.
What is Anhedonia
For 500 points: name at least three places around Albuquerque where you can receive additional treatment for both substance use and mental health needs. this can include MATS, psychiatric needs, mental health, case management, etc.
Sage Neuroscience Center
UNM Health (ASAP program)
Healthcare For The Homeless
First Nations Health Care
The Pain and Recovery Center
Four Winds Rehab (inpatient)
MATS Detox
Turqoise Lodge (detox)
SACS (community living)
Joy Junction
The following problems occur because of which drug??
-Increase in violence and aggression -Drug-induced psychosis -Increase in Respiratory problems -Increase in cardiovascular problems -Risk for HIV, HEP C and TB -Damage to physical appearance
Methamphetamines
Name one way you can prevent relapses or slips
- engaging in treatment
- healthy habits and exercise
- building a routine
- creating sober supports
- taking care of your mental health
- learning to ask for help
- learning about substance use and mental health
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