Substance Basics
What does "substance use disorder" mean?
A medical condition where substance use interferes with daily life, causing impairment or distress.
Name three general sign someone may be misusing substances.
changes in sleep, appetite, mood, social withdrawal, secrecy.
Name two stimulant drugs.
Examples: cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall.
What is the first stage in the progression of substance use issues?
Experimentation or initial use.
What does the term “co-occurring disorder” mean?
Having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time.
True or False: All substance use automatically equals substance use disorder.
False — substance use does not always equal a disorder; it becomes a disorder when it causes problems.
Which behavioral sign could suggest substance use: sudden mood swings or consistent behavior?
Sudden mood swings
Which category of substances is alcohol in?
Depressant.
At what stage might someone begin to experience negative consequences but still continue using?
Risky use stage.
True or False: Mental health disorders and substance use disorders always develop independently.
False — sometimes one can trigger or worsen the other.
What does the term "tolerance" mean in relation to substance use?
Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.
Identify three physical signs of stimulant use.
Dilated pupils, increased heart rate, sweating, restlessness.
Hallucinogens primarily affect which part of functioning: motor control, perception, or sleep?
Perception.
Define “loss of control” in substance use progression.
Inability to limit or stop use despite wanting to.
Give one example of how depression might increase the risk of substance use.
A person with depression may use substances to self-medicate or escape negative feelings.
What is the difference between physical dependence and psychological dependence?
Physical dependence = body adapts to the drug (withdrawal symptoms if stopped); psychological dependence = emotional/mental craving.
What overlapping signs might make it difficult to distinguish between depressant and opioid use?
Drowsiness, slowed breathing, impaired coordination (both can look similar).
Which category of substances is most often linked with high risk of overdose death in the U.S.?
Opioids.
How does withdrawal reinforce continued use in the progression of a disorder?
Withdrawal symptoms drive repeated use to avoid discomfort.
Why can substance use make treating anxiety or depression more difficult?
Substances can worsen symptoms, interfere with medication, and complicate treatment plans.
Explain how substance use can shift from recreational use to a disorder.
Recreational → regular use → risky use → dependence/disorder (driven by tolerance, withdrawal, and brain changes).
Explain why recognizing early signs of substance use is important for intervention.
Early recognition allows for prevention, intervention, and reduces risk of long-term harm.
Compare the short-term effects of stimulants vs. depressants on the nervous system.
Stimulants = increase activity of the nervous system (alertness, energy); Depressants = slow nervous system (relaxation, sedation).
Explain how brain changes over time contribute to the chronic nature of substance use disorder.
Long-term use rewires reward pathways, reduces self-control, and reinforces compulsive use.
Explain the bidirectional (goes both ways) relationship between substance use and mental health disorders.
Substance use can worsen mental health symptoms, while mental health struggles can increase risk of using substances.