Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Mental Health

Flashcards covering key concepts related to substance use disorders and mental health.

Bio-psycho-social perspective

An approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding substance use disorders.

Harm Reduction

A public health strategy that aims to keep people safe and alive, focusing on reducing the negative consequences of drug use rather than insisting on abstinence.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Abuse, neglect, and household challenges that significantly affect health risks later in life.

Co-Occurring Disorder

A condition where an individual has both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time.

Stigma

A societal label that breeds discrimination and marginalization, exacerbating issues for individuals with substance use disorders.

Caffeine

A psychoactive substance linked to lower risk for some cardiovascular diseases but can cause anxiety and insomnia in excess.

Cannabis

A drug that can lead to lower birth weight and academic deficits when used during pregnancy.

Structural Racism

A system of societal structures and institutions that maintains racial inequality, influencing access to healthcare and risk factors for SUD.

Inter-generational Trauma

Trauma that affects families across generations, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and substance use disorders.

Connection-Based Approach

A model of treatment for substance use disorders that emphasizes rebuilding social connections and addressing underlying issues rather than punishing behavior.