Substance Use Disorders

Substance Use Disorders Overview

  • Introduction to substance use disorders (SUDs)

    • Focus on alcohol and opioids

    • Additional substances mentioned: sedatives, amphetamines, etc.

Substance Related Addictive Disorders

  • Introduction of case study on Mark, a substance user

    • Progression from alcohol to other drugs, exemplifying escalation of substance use

    • Video as a perspective tool for learning about substance use disorders

Key Features of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

  • Definition of substance abuse: excessive or harmful use of drugs or alcohol

  • Prevalence of SUDs in the society:

    • Approximately 7-8% of the population affected

    • Most common substances abused: alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs

Statistics Related to Substance Use

  • Vehicle fatalities linked to drug use

    • Surprising statistic: Over 20% of vehicle fatalities associated with marijuana

  • Recent statistics (2019 data) on substance use:

    • Alcohol use as the most abused substance

    • High rates of adolescent alcohol use

    • Growth in the misuse of pain relievers and prescription drugs

Key Terms Related to SUD

  • Definitions of critical terms:

    • Addiction: Compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

    • Withdrawal: Negative effects experienced upon cessation of a drug.

    • Dependence: Psychological and physical reliance on a substance.

    • Tolerance: Need for increased amounts of substance for the same effect.

    • Intoxication: Observable change in behavior due to substance use.

    • Psychoactive Substance: A substance that alters mood, thoughts, or psychological states.

Assessing Addiction Severity

  • Analyzing compulsive drug-seeking behaviors

    • Examples from the case study: dumpster diving for drugs

  • Signs of withdrawal and potential dangers associated (i.e., alcohol)

DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorder Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis requires at least 2 of the following criteria within 12 months:

    • Inability to reduce substance use despite wanting to

    • Significant amounts of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance

    • Reduced participation in activities due to use

    • Risky use of the substance in dangerous situations

    • Continued use despite interpersonal problems caused by use

    • Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

  • Acknowledgment of the four dimensions of dysfunction and distress related to SUD