Substance Use Disorders
What are substance use disorders?
When a person uses a substance to the degree that it causes significant problems in their functioning and relationships over a period of time.
Biological Vulnerability is
Having lower defense levels against something, or being more likely to be impacted by it; increased chance of developing a disorder.
Why are co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders so common?
Supersensitivity, self-medication of mental health symptoms, social facilitation, consequences of substance use, poverty, trauma, or other stressors.
How long can someone have a severe substance abuse disorder and still recover?
A person can always recover from a substance use disorder if they chose to what it takes.
What's your favorite color?
Correct!
In what areas can a substance use disorder impair someone's functioning? (List 3)
Physical, mental, relational, professional, financial
Factors that determine biological vulnerability
Genetics (family history)
Childhood trauma (physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect)
Sometimes people use substances to cope with upsetting psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, tension, sleep problems, hallucinations, paranoia, or intrusive memories of traumatic events.
Why is this counterproductive?
Substances may bring temporary relief, it often worsens mental health symptoms in the long run, and can lead to developing a substance use disorder.
Can you recover after a relapse?
Oh heckin' heck yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just keep swimming!
True or false: Participating in AMRTC groups helps you get out of here
TRUE!
True or false: There are blood tests and brain scans that can diagnose a substance use disorder.
False
ACEs is the acronym for
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Why might someone with mental illness rely on substances for social facilitation?
Which is better for recovery: abstinence or just cutting back?
Abstinence.
While some people succeed in decreasing their substance use and controlling it without slipping back into addiction, most people who develop a serious substance disorder find that controlled use is not possible.
What causes substance use disorders?
According to the stress vulnerability model, a combination of biological vulnerabilities and stress can lead to developing a substance use disorder.
What is it called when someone has both a substance use disorder and a mental illness?
Co-occurring disorders, dual disorders, or dual diagnosis
True or false: Everyone ever has the same circumstances and a substance use disorder is solely a conscious choice; no other factors contribute to developing a substance use disorder.
FALSE
List some consequences of substance use
Substance use disorders can lead to life changes that increase the chances of a person developing a mental illness. For example, substance use problems can lead to the loss of valued things in people's lives, such as an interesting job, a loving partner, or a family. Suffering such losses can contribute to developing a major depression. Similarly, substance use disorders can lead to traumatic events, such as being in an accident or getting assaulted, which can result in developing PTSD
Who can recover from substance use disorders?
Everybody ever!
Correct!
How common are substance use disorders and mental illness (co-occurring disorders).
Approximately 15% out of 100 people develop either alcohol or drug use disorder at some point however, the chances of a person developing substance use disorder jump between 30-50% among those who have a major mental illness.
The Stress-Vulnerability Model states that...
A combination of biological vulnerability (or weaknesses) and stress can lead to developing a substance use disorder.
What percentage of people with mental illness develop a substance use disorder?
30-50%
What can prevent relapse?
Social support, environment, coping skills, exercise, hobbies, etc.
Name three different peer support groups they have for people with substance use disorders or addictions.
NA, AA, SMART recovery, CA, CMA