Addiction

what is addiction

a compulsive and maladaptive dependence on a substance or a behavior; an individual who uses one or more substances to the point of becoming addicted and unable to stop despite dangerous, often life-threatening consequences, may be diagnosed with a substance use disorder

what is detoxification?

the process of helping an addicted individual safety through withdrawal, commonly referred to as detox

what is dependence

physiological need for a substance that the individual can’t control, results in withdrawal symptoms if the substance is withheld

what is tolerance?

individual required larger quantities to achieve the same effect or obtain the desired response

what is withdrawal?

a constellation of s/sx that occurs in physically dependent individuals when they discontinue

what is what is co-occuring disorders?

concurrent diagnosis of a substance use disorder and a psychiatric disorder; one disorder can precede and cause the other

what is cross-tolerance

tolerance to one drug conferring tolerance to another drug

what is harm reduction

a non-judgemental approach to help substance abusers reduce the negative impact that drugs and alcohol or other addictions have on their lives

what is intoxification

development of a reversible substance specific syndrome due to recent ingestion of (or exposure) to a substance

what is diversion

intentional transfer of a controlled substance from legitimate distribution and dispensing channels

what is sobriety

state of habitually refraining from using alcohol or drugs

what is substance abuse?

misuse of a substance or process to achieve a result - falls in the range of maladaptive or alteration in healthy coping but does not reach the level of dependence or addiction

what are risk factors for addiction

• genetic transmission - hereditary factors/family history

• childhood or adolescent trauma

• psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc)

• family environment - violence or abuse

• availability of substances

• early use of substances

what is the physiologic process of addiction

• stage 1: the trigger

• state 2: the brain’s response

• stage 3: the outcome

what are primary preventions

• National institute of Drug Abuse → identification of specific drug problems in community, then building on resources

• promote healthy families and healthy communities

• positive coping strategies

interview approaches for addiction

• use supportive, nonjudgemental approach

• expect defensiveness or denial

• be self-aware

• gather accurate info

• assess life impacts

• observe behavioral patterns

• encourage honest disclosure

• state legal substances

assessments for addiction

• amount and type of alcohol or drugs

• blood and urine drug screens

• look for s/sx

  • tremors, manifestations with intoxification or withdrawal

  • undernourished

  • fatigue, headaches, changes in mood

• use screening tests

what is the CAGE assessment?

• C: have you ever felt you need to CUT down on drinking?

• A: have people ANNOYED you by criticizing you alcohol use?

• G: Have you ever felt bad or GULITY about your drinking

• E: Have you ever taken a drink in the morning as an EYE-opener?

what is the AUDIT?

accurate measure of risk across gender, age, and culture; score 8> indicate risky drinking and scores 20> may indicate need for treatment

What is SBIRT?

screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment

what is the goal of SBIRT?

• identify those who are high risk for psycho-social or health care problems related to their substance use

• intervene early in nonjudgemental, empathic, and motivational way

• offers an opportunity to connect with additional services