Substance Use Disorders

PSY 311

How many people die every year from alcohol-related causes in the U.S.?

About 88,000 people.

What was the economic cost of alcohol misuse in the U.S. in 2010?

$249 billion.

What percentage of alcohol misuse costs were from binge drinking?

About 75%.

How many U.S. kids live with a parent who has alcohol problems?

Over 10% (as of a 2012 study).

What are the DSM-5 categories for substance-related disorders?

Substance Use Disorder, Substance-Induced Disorder, and Substance Withdrawal Disorder.

What are examples of substances listed in the DSM-5?

Alcohol, amphetamines, caffeine, sedatives.

What non-substance behavior is classified as an addictive disorder in DSM-5?

Pathological gambling.

What is considered a standard "1 drink" for beer?

12 oz of beer (5% alcohol).

What is a standard "1 drink" for malt liquor?

8 oz (7% alcohol).

What is a standard "1 drink" for wine?

5 oz (12% alcohol).

What is a standard "1 drink" for hard liquor?

1.5 oz (40% alcohol).

What counts as binge drinking for women?

4 or more drinks at one time.

What counts as binge drinking for men?

5 or more drinks at one time.

What is considered heavy weekly drinking for women?

8 or more drinks per week.

What is considered heavy weekly drinking for men?

15 or more drinks per week.

What are the DSM-5 symptom areas for Substance Use Disorder?

Loss of control, social problems, risky use, body changes (tolerance/withdrawal).

How common is alcohol use disorder among adults each year?

6–6.5% of adults.

What percentage of college students meet criteria for alcohol use disorder?

About 10%.

What are major risk factors for developing substance use disorder?

Being male, age 18-25, having another mental health issue, or a family history.

What is the typical course of substance use disorder?

Often chronic and episodic; about 20% quit on their own.

What are common causes of death in people with severe substance use disorders?

Suicide, organ failure, heart disease, cancer.

What percentage of the risk for substance use disorders is genetic?

50–60%.

How much higher is the risk if your parent has alcohol problems?

4 times higher.

What does the enzyme deficiency in some Asian populations cause?

They feel very sick when drinking, lowering their alcohol use risk.

What environmental factors increase substance use risk?

Sociocultural norms, peer pressure, learned behaviors.

What does the Berridge model say about brain function in addiction?

"Wanting" and "liking" can separate — people crave without enjoying

How many people with substance use disorders get professional help?

Only about 20%.

What is detoxification?

Safely removing substances from the body

How does aversion therapy (like Antabuse) work?

It makes people feel very sick if they drink alcohol.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Using medications to either mimic or block drug effects.

What are examples of agonist therapy?

Methadone, buprenorphine, nicotine patches.

What are examples of antagonist therapy?

Naloxone, Naltrexone.

What new type of medication is being researched for substance use disorders?

GLP-1 medications (used for diabetes/weight loss).

What are examples of therapy treatments for substance use disorder?

12-Step programs (AA), Recovery 2.0, Moderation Management