What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance Use Disorder is what type of disease?
A chronic, progressive, and treatable disease
What do drugs change in the brain?
Communication between neurons
What are methadone and buprenorphine used to treat?
Opioid use disorder (opioid addiction)
What happens to mood regulation with substance use?
Mood swings, anxiety, depression
Name one factor that increases the risk of SUD
Genetics, environment, trauma, poverty
How long can Substance Use Disorder last?
Months to years
What happens to the brain’s reward system with drug use?
It becomes overstimulated
How do methadone and buprenorphine help people with addiction?
They reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
How does SUD affect self-awareness?
People may not realize how their behavior is affected
Which population has higher rates of SUD?
Young adults
What are two common effects of SUD on behavior?
Loss of control, cravings, continued use despite harm
What chemical is responsible for the feeling of pleasure in the brain?
Dopamine
Why is buprenorphine often considered safer than methadone?
It has a ceiling effect, which lowers the risk of overdose
Why might someone continue using substances even if it harms them?
Brain changes, cravings, and loss of control
Why is early substance use especially dangerous?
It can cause severe addiction and long-term brain changes