Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance Use

100

What is a substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder suggests alcohol or drug addiction, a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior. It leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal substance.

200

What is an internal motivation for change? Can you define the term and or give an example? 

Internal motivation – the force that leads you to achieve a goal because of personal satisfaction or desire.

Ex. My dad drinks heavily and frequently beats my mom and I when he is drunk. when I get older I will never drink alcohol because I do not want to be like him. 

300

I have a goal of getting of not using cocaine anymore, Give an example of an external motivation for change. (remember external factors are not directly related to the goal itself)

Legal issues - Go to jail

Police contact or probation officer

Financial problems

Lose my job

Be Homeless 

Family conflict

400

What does the Acronym SUDs stand for? 

a “substance use disorder describes a problematic pattern of using alcohol or another substance that results in impairment in daily life or noticeable distress.” 

Patterns of substance use may cause problems with health, personal relationships, work, or school. 

Substance use disorders often lead to risky behavior, legal problems, physical harm, or even death.

500

What are some common symptoms of PAWS? Did you ever experience PAWS? 

Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Foggy thinking/trouble remembering 
• Urges and cravings
• Irritability or hostility
• Sleep disturbances—insomnia or vivid dreams
• Fatigue
• Issues with fine motor coordination
• Stress sensitivity
• Anxiety or panic
• Depression
• Lack of initiative
• Impaired ability to focus
• Mood swings 

600

I am in denial about my substance abuse, I continue to justify or find excuses to use, I find fault in treatment programs, I blame external factors, for my continued use and I try to manipulate those that are trying to help me by lying or not telling the truth, Who am I hurting? 

Yourself. Staff members can provide you with the tools necessary to be successful, however, ultimately it is your decision to get clean and how you are going to use the tool and strategies to deal with emotions and stress that will increase your likelihood of attaining long-term sobriety. 

Substance Abuse

100

What is something that you would like to get out of treatment? 

Answers will vary

(Nothing is not an appropriate answer)

200

What is something that you have learned about your use or addiction? 

Answers will vary

(Nothing is not an appropriate answer)

300

How can substance abuse counseling be positive for you? 

Answers will vary

(Nothing is not an appropriate answer)

400

Do you feel like you have a problem with substance use/abuse/addiction? 

Answers will vary

(Nothing is not an appropriate answer)

500

What are 3 triggers that would cause me to want to use my drug of choice? 

Answers will vary

(Nothing is not an appropriate answer)

600

If you do not see a desire to change your behaviors how can staff help you become more aware of the possible ramifications of continued use? 

Answers will vary

(Nothing is not an appropriate answer)

Addiction

100

True or false  - Marijuana is not addictive? 

False - Approximately 10% of marijuana users are assessed to become addicted to Marijuana

200

Describe what peer pressure? have you ever experienced peer pressure? Can peer pressure be a good thing? 

peer pressure can be either negative or positive.

Negative peer group pressure and addiction tend to be linked. This type of peer pressure leads to someone engaging in unhealthy behaviors, including drug or alcohol use. Peer pressure and addiction relapse may also be linked, as this pressure could lead to a relapse after an addict has chosen to pursue recovery.

Peer pressure can be obvious, such as offering a person a drink or mocking someone who refuses to use the substance. However, peer pressure can also be more subtle and indirect. For example, if popular students choose to consume alcohol, other students may believe they should consume alcohol to be accepted by their peers.

Unlike negative peer pressure, positive peer pressure encourages someone to make healthy and positive choices. Through positive peer pressure, a peer or group of peers may encourage others to avoid using certain substances or to avoid using substances in specific ways. Positive peer pressure may also include encouraging a friend to study more to get better grades or motivating a peer to save money for a financial goal.

300

What (if any) is the difference between a lapse and relapse? 

While in a relapse, a person in recovery will return to the way they were using substances before, or even worse. In a relapse, a person has returned to addiction. 

This is not the same as a lapse, though many may think it is.

A lapse, by definition, is a temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment. The key word in the definition of a lapse is temporary.

400

What are 3 examples of non-substance addictions? 

Gambling

Intercourse

Video games

Pornography

Overeating

500

Describe the disease concept of addiction

According to the disease model, addiction is a brain disease. It is characterized by altered brain structure and functioning. These brain abnormalities cause persons with this disease to become addicted to substances or activities, once exposure to these substances or activities occurs. This model considers addiction irreversible once acquired.

600

Why is cognitive restructuring helpful in recovery? 

Cognitive restructuring skills help us challenge negative thinking patterns and help us maintain our sobriety when presented with a stress situation or stressor 

Terms

100

Define the term: Addiction

a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence

200

Define the term: Abstinence

Abstinence: Stopping all use of a substance such as alcohol or drugs, or a compulsive behavior such as sex or overeating. Obviously, if you compulsively overeat, you can’t give up food, but you can define abstinence as not engaging in compulsive overeating

300

Define the term: Withdrawal

Withdrawal is the combination of physical and mental effects that a person experiences after they stop using or reduce their intake of a substance such as alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs.

400

What does the acronym PAWS stand for? what does it mean?  

While acute withdrawal refers primarily to the body's process of healing, a second phase of withdrawal symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, occurs as the brain recalibrates after active addiction. These symptoms, unlike the first stage of acute withdrawal, typically involve more of the psychological and emotional aspects of withdrawal.

500

Define the term: Tolerance

Many people develop a tolerance to a drug after taking it regularly for a long time. Their body becomes more accustomed to it, and the drug's impact weakens. In some cases, a person can also have a tolerance to a drug if they are addicted to it after taking it repeatedly over time.

In cases of substance misuse, someone may need to take increasingly higher doses of the drug to achieve the “high” they are seeking.

600

What is "Stinking Thinking" and how does it relate to substance use/abuse? 

Stinking thinking or cognitive distortions are negative thinking patterns that can lead to anger, anxious or depressive thoughts, which place us at higher risk for relapse or continued substance use. 

Marijuana

100

True or false? Medical marijuana is better and safer for you more than any other type of marijuana? 

False - Studies have not concluded that medical marijuana has any benefits over other types of marijuana There is no evidence that medical marijuana is any safer than other marijuana.

200

True or false - Studies have shown that the use of marijuana is associated with reduced cognitive function in teens

True - One study found that teens who regularly use marijuana lose an average of 5.8 IQ points by the time they reach adulthood.8

300

What are 3 physical health risks of ongoing marijuana consumption? 

Marijuana use can  lead to physical health issues due to smoke and side effects, such as:

• Damaged lungs from smoking marijuana or vaping
• Risk of cardiovascular disease
• Weight gain from increased appetite while high
• Little motivation to exercise
• Paying less attention to hygiene, which can lead to dental problems and social problems
• Insomnia and sleep issues that can lead to fatigue
• Dependency on marijuana, which can result in withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit

400

What are two long-term effects of marijuana use?  

long-term risks associated with marijuana use include:

1. respiratory issues, 

2. increased chance of lung cancer 

3.heart attack, 

4. problems with child development during and after pregnancy, 

5. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome - cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration 

500

True or false - People with marijuana use disorders, especially adolescents or teenagers, often also suffer from other mental health issues.

True - People with marijuana use disorders, especially adolescents, often also suffer from other mental health issues.

600

Is vaping THC healthier than smoking? 

No - Research has shown that vaping THC, is linked with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular problems, even though there is no combustion, However, more research is need to determine long-term effects. 

Alcohol

100

List at least 5 dangers of underage alcohol consumption

Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience:

• School problems, such as higher rates of absences or lower grades.
• Social problems, such as fighting or lack of participation in youth activities.
• Legal problems, such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone while drunk.
• Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses.
• Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
• Disruption of normal growth or sexual development.
• Physical and sexual violence.
• Increased risk of suicide and homicide.
• Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and other unintentional injuries, such as burns, falls, or drowning.
• Memory problems.
• Misuse of other substances.
• Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects.
• Alcohol poisoning

200

I am a teenage girl at a party with my friends, I had 2 shots and 3 other alcoholic beverages while attending the party would I be considered a "binge" drinker? 

Yes - Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women.

300

If you know a family member or close friend that drinks alcohol are you more likely to drink as an adult? 

Yes - Studies show a relationship between underage drinking behaviors and the drinking behaviors of adult relatives, adults in the same household, and adults in the same community and state. When drinking becomes normalized studies have shown that you are more likely to drink. 

400

What is the legal drinking age in Pennsylvania? 

21 years old

500

True or False - Alcohol is legal which means that it is not as bad as other drugs or substances.    

False - Alcohol is a dangerous depressant and can be associated with an increased risk of depressive tendencies, as well as, symptoms ranging from a hangover to death. Alcohol withdrawal is reported to be as sever as hardcore substance use. 

600

What is the term wet-brain mean? 

Also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome  is a brain disorder related to the acute and chronic phases of a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Thiamine depletion is seen in individuals with poor nutrition and is a common complication of long-term heavy drinking. It’s possible to reverse the symptoms are reversible when caught early, but when left untreated, wet brain can lead to irreversible confusion, difficulty with muscle coordination, and even hallucinations.

Vaping

100

True or False - It's okay to vape at school because all of my friends are doing it? 

False - It is never okay to vape, it is dangerous for your health and can result in expulsion from school and possible legal ramifications. 

200

Is it okay to swallow liquid Nicotine a common ingredient in electronic vapes

NO!!!

300

True or false  - Youth e-cigarette use rose 18% from 2011 to 2019.

False - Youth e-cigarette use rose 1,800% from 2011 to 2019.

400

What is one dangerous chemical found in electronic cigarettes or vapes? 

Potentially harmful substances found in vape devices include: 

• Diacetyl: Inhaling diacetyl has been linked to irreversible lung damage in factory workers, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• Heavy metals: Exposure to heavy metals may cause flu-like symptoms, lung damage, and even cancer in some cases.
• Ultrafine particles: If inhaled, ultrafine particles may damage the respiratory and cardiovascular (heart) system and other parts of the body.
• Volatile organic compounds: These compounds may put people at risk for many health problems, such as cancer and heart damage.

500

What chemical is associated with "popcorn lung"

Diacetyl inhalation has been linked to popcorn lung, a progressive lung disease. With this condition, microscopic air passages in the lungs become inflamed, causing long-term scarring and difficulty breathing.

600

True or False - According to the CDC less than 20% of high school students report using a vape regularly

False - 43.6% of high school students and 17.2% of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes on 20 or more of the past 30 days

Statistics

100

What percent of 12th grades have abused alcohol? 

62% of teenagers in 12th grade have abused alcohol.

200

True or false - Binge drinking is most common in young adults that attend college? 

False - Binge drinking is the most common pattern of alcohol consumption among adolescents, accounting for more than 90% of the alcohol consumed by high school students.

300

True or False - A recent study showed that more than 8/10 teenagers have used marijuana in the last month?  

True - Of 12- to 17-year-olds nationwide report using drugs in the last month. Among them, 83.88% report using marijuana in the last month.

400

True or False - Overdose deaths due to opioids have decreased 500% among 15- to 24-year-olds since 1999.

False - Overdose deaths due to opioids have increased 500% among 15- to 24-year-olds since 1999.

500

True or false - More Teenagers in Pennsylvania drink then use drugs?  

True - 9% of youth report regular alcohol consumption as opposed to 7.7% of individual that use mood altering substances according to a 2020 survey. of that 7.7% 85% used marijuana.   

600

True or False - 18- to 25-year-olds in Pennsylvania are 8% more likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group.

False - 18- to 25-year-olds in Pennsylvania are 7.98% less likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group.

Smoking/Nicotine/Tabacco

100

True or false - I just smoke when I am around my friends after school I do not need to worry about becoming "addicted" because smoking is not addictive 

False - Smoking is highly addictive. Nicotine is the drug primarily responsible for a person’s addiction to tobacco products, including cigarettes. The addiction to cigarettes and other tobacco products that nicotine causes is similar to the addiction produced by using drugs such as heroin and cocaine

200

True or False - It is better to use smokeless tobacco products because they are safer for me. 

False - All forms of tobacco are harmful and addictive. There are no safe tobacco products.

300

True or false: I sometimes some in the bathroom at school and after school with friends, I don't smoke all the time so I do not need to worry about becoming addicted to smoking cigarettes or vapes because they are not addictive? 

False - Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound present in a tobacco plant. All tobacco products contain nicotine, Using any tobacco product can lead to nicotine addiction. This is because nicotine can change the way the brain works, causing cravings for more of it. 

400

Name at least 5 dangerous chemical in a cigarette 

• Acetaldehyde –used to produce acetic acid and butadiene – both toxic substances in their own right
• Acrylonitrile – used in manufacture of plastic – toxic in small doses
• 4-Aminobiphenyl – use prohibited in many countries in the world
• Arsenic – potent poison – highly regulated use in all countries in the world
• Benzene – benzene is a toxin used as a pesticide. It’s also used in gasoline and explosives manufacture
• Beryllium – highly toxic substance that can cause a pulmonary condition called chronic berylliosis – one third of sufferers will die from it while the survivors are left disabled
• Cadmium – lethal dose for a rat is 25 mg/m3 – cadmium is used to produce batteries and in processes of nuclear fission
• Ethylene oxide – known carcinogen that also causes acute poisoning in higher doses
• Formaldehyde – also used for preserving dead tissue in embalming fluids
• Furan – increases the risk of hepatocellular and bile duct tumors
• Hydrazine – used in rocket fuel, fuel cells, and pesticides
• Isoprene – used in production of rubber
• Lead – causes microcytic anemia and interferes with cognition
• Polonium-210 – highly toxic, radioactive isotope
• o-Toluidine – causes DNA damage which results in tumors
• 
  
  • Acetic acid – acetic acid can be found in household products such as cleaning wipes, disinfectants, and degreasers. It’s also used for industrial and manufacturing purposes.
  • Toluene – found in gasoline and used in the manufacturing of explosives.
  • Naphthalene – a poisonous compound used in production of mothballs.
  • Hydrogen cyanide – a poison that was used in prison executions.
  • Acetanisole – a fragrance used in perfume industry.
  • Methanol – an ingredient regularly found in antifreeze used in car industry.
  • Methane – gas found in excrement.
  • Urea – a compound found in sweat and urine.

500

What is the legal age to purchase Nicotine products? 

21 years old

in the past it was 18

600

Overcoming a Nicotine addiction is easy, I will just stop smoking? 

once addicted, Nicotine is very difficult to discontinue

Withdrawal

100

True or false - People that become addicted to alcohol or other mood-altering substance frequently use to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

True - continued use of drugs can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, individuals struggling with addiction frequently justify their ongoing use by  attempting to delay or avoid withdrawal symptoms

200

True or False - I have been using a bundle of heroin every day for the last 3 months but I want to stop now, I should stop using cold-turkey and lock myself in the basement of my house until I am better

False - Heroin, alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine have severe withdrawal symptoms that could lead to death, It is recommenced to attend a detox program with staff that can medically monitor you 24 hours a day. 

If you are unwilling to seek professional help and in some instances it may be recommended to slowly titrate off of a substance. 

300

I used to use 3 bundle of heroin per day for months at a time, I stopped for 6 months while I was in jail. I had a really stressful day and want to use again. What might happen if I suddenly use 3 bundles of heroin?

Overdoes - Death

After you overcome symptoms of withdrawal and Tolerance fades over time, just because you were able to use x amount of _____ does not mean that you will always be able to use that much if you relapse. Returning to use after a period of time is frequently the most dangerous and can result in OD or death

400

What is Medical Assisted Therapy? 

There are some medications that can help with withdrawal from opioids and or alcohol. 

Vivetrol/Naltrexone

Methadone

Suboxone

500

How many stages of withdrawal are there? 

2 the initial stage is associated with more medical and physical concerns, where as the second stage is more associated with emotional and mental health difficulties, they are also know as PAWS or Post-acute-Withdrawal-Syndrome

600

What does it feel like when you go through withdrawal?

Extreme Physical Discomfort

Despite significantly low levels of energy, your body will feel like it's fighting itself, perpetuating your exhaustion even more. Withdrawal causes the body to feel intense pain. You may even notice that it feels as though your body is burning – some say it feels like their body is on fire.

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle and bone pain.
• High temperature and/or chills.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Restlessness.
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams.
• Flu-like symptoms.

Stages of Change

100

True or False - In the first stage of change Precontemplation, frequently the shortest stage of change individuals should be forced to implement changes in their life otherwise bad things may happen to them?

Stage 1: Precontemplation (not ready)

“I don’t think I have a problem.”

False - At the precontemplation stage, a person may not believe there is a problem. They may resist change or fail to think about making changes. People in the precontemplation stage do not intend to make changes soon (in the next six months). Precontemplation is often the longest stage. It takes patience and persistence to help someone move from precontemplation to the next stage, contemplation.

People must be ready to make a change. They cannot be forced into making changes.

200

True or False - In the second stage of change or Contemplation, individuals have an idea that they want to change their substance and are aware of some potential of possible consequences of ongoing use.

Stage 2: Contemplation (getting ready)

“I know I have to stop what I’m doing, but I enjoy it.”

Ture - In the contemplation stage, people intend to change in the next six months. They are aware of the benefits of changing, but are also aware of the drawbacks. The person may begin to see that their use has some consequences.

300

True or False - In the third stage of change individual frequently set goals and have taken steps to prepare for change

Stage 3: Preparation (ready)

“I know I have the strength to change, I just don’t know how to do it.”

True - Preparation is the stage in which people want to make changes soon, usually within the next month. Typically, they have already taken steps toward changing a behavior. In this stage, the person is preparing for change and begins to set clear goals to help change their behavior. They have a plan of action, such as joining a gym, talking to a counselor or relying on a self-change approach.

400

True or False - The action or fourth stage of change is frequently the longest and individuals are the least likely to relapse? 

Stage 4: Action

“I’m working on it.”

In the action stage, people have made changes to their lifestyles within the past six months. They have changed their behaviours, experiences or environment to deal with their problems. In this stage, the person may have reduced or completely stopped using substances or gambling, and is actively working on the problem.

False - The action stage is usually the shortest, but it’s also when people depend on their willpower and are at the greatest risk for relapse. People are usually open to offers of help and support at this time.

500

True or False - In the 5th stage of change or the maintenance stage individuals have been clean from mood altering substances for at least 6 months and experience less cravings or urges. 

Stage 5: Maintenance

“It’s a one-day-at-a-time struggle.”

In the maintenance stage, people have made changes to their lifestyles and are working to prevent relapse. At this point, the person has stopped using substances for at least six months and is working to hold on to this success. In the maintenance stage, people are less tempted to relapse. They grow more confident in their ability to continue with these changes.

600

True or False "Relapse" is one of the stages of change? 

True  - In this stage, the person goes back to the old behavior they were trying to change or returns to an earlier stage. Relapse is common throughout the stages of change. A person may relapse more than once before making a permanent change. Relapse should not be seen as a failure but as a useful part of lasting change.