Behavioral Health Basics
Why is behavioral health considered a public health issue?
It contributes to preventable disease and premature death
What is substance abuse?
Using psychoactive substances for nonmedical purposes
What are the three parts of the epidemiologic triad?
Host, agent, environment
What is supply reduction?
Reducing the availability of drugs
Name one major health problem caused by substance abuse
Heart disease, HIV/AIDS, violence, crashes, suicide
Give one example of a behavior that leads to preventable disease.
Smoking, poor diet, substance abuse, physical inactivity, risky sexual behavior, or violence
What type of condition is addiction?
A chronic, relapsing medical condition
In substance abuse, what is the “agent”?
The drug or alcohol
What is demand reduction?
Reducing the desire to use drugs
What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?
Withdrawal symptoms in a baby exposed to drugs before birth
What is the main goal of public health regarding behavioral health?
Prevention, not just treatment
Name one characteristic of addiction.
Loss of control, continued use despite harm, or strong cravings
Give one example of an environmental factor in drug use.
Friends, stress, poverty, or access to drugs
Give one example of harm reduction.
Designated drivers, seat belts, smoke-free areas, warning labels
How are mental health and substance use connected?
Mental health problems can increase substance use, and substance use can worsen mental health
Why are behavioral health problems difficult to change?
They are chronic, relapsing, and influenced by brain and behavior
What is relapse?
Returning to drug use after stopping
What are the three types of prevention?
Primary, secondary, tertiary
What was the goal of Prohibition?
To make alcohol illegal and reduce its use
What are two barriers women face when seeking treatment?
Stigma, childcare, pregnancy, lack of support, fear of losing custody
What does behavioral health focus on?
Behaviors that affect physical and mental health
What is the most commonly used drug in society?
Alcohol
What does tertiary prevention focus on?
Treatment of addiction
Why did Prohibition fail?
It led to illegal alcohol sales, organized crime, and unsafe alcohol
What does the “whole person approach” in public health mean?
Looking at physical, mental, social, and environmental factors together