Disease of Addiction
What is the full term for alcohol/drug addiction?
Substance Use Disorder
Drugs/alcohol trigger a flood of this reward chemical, more than healthy behaviors (like hanging out with friends or eating your favorite food).
Dopamine.
Needing more of a substance for the same effect.
Tolerance
"Drug/alcohol addiction is voluntary behavior"
Myth- continued use changes your brain overtime in ways that result in compulsive, uncontrollable use.
How could your childhood environment increase your risk of addiction?
Growing up in a home where there is open (maybe encouraged) drug/alcohol use increases the risk of addiction
This outcome happens without stopping use, often due to overdose, organ failure, or car accidents.
What does addiction do to the brain?
Changes the way the brain's communication system works, changes the areas in the brain responsible for judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and impulse.
Physical sickness and mental symptoms when stopping use, sometimes needing medical care.
Withdrawal symptoms.
"Relapse means treatment failed"
Myth- relapse is a common part of the recovery journey for many chronic illnesses
How could pre-existing medical conditions increase your risk of addiction?
Chronic pain or certain prescription medications can create physical dependence, serving as a gateway to addiction.
What does it mean to say that addiction is "chronic"?
Addiction is never cured, but it is always treatable.
What does the brain cut back on after drug/alcohol overuse, causing cravings.
Dopamine production.
What could social impairment/neglected responsibilities look like in addiction?
EX: Neglecting work, hobbies or relationships while prioritizing use, increased secrecy with loved ones, isolating, etc.
"Only certain 'types' people get addicted"
Myth- Addiction does not discriminate, it affects people of all ages, genders, races, professions, etc.
How could culture increase your risk of addiction?
EX: Western culture has heavily normalize drinking in general, sports/concerts/parties/holidays, easy accessibility of alcohol/drugs
What does it mean to say addiction is "primary"?
Alcohol or drug dependency is usually not a symptom of another disorder (i.e. depression, anxiety) but can worsen co-occurring disorders.
What part of the brain does addiction most affect?
Prefrontal cortex.
What are some changes in mental health that can be a symptom of addiction?
EX: Sudden mood swings, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, etc.
"Addiction is just a character weakness, you just need more willpower"
Myth- Drugs/alcohol rewire your brain, they can become the single most powerful motivator
History of trauma can increase your risk of addiction by how much?
About 70% greater risk
What does it mean to say addiction is "progressive"?
Your tolerance is always increasing, so the effects get worse over time. Physical, emotional, social problems get worse over time.
What is it called when your brain starts to rebuild dopamine pathways by forming new neural connection through healthy habits in recovery?
Neuroplasticity.
What could be physical signs/symptoms of addiction?
EX: Sudden weight changes, poor hygiene, cirrhosis, nausea, vomiting, etc.
"Courts or family can prompt effective treatment"
Fact- very common reasons people initially seek treatment, over time usually people begin to "want it"
Family history of addiction increases your risk of addiction by how much?
60% greater risk