Substance Use Disorder Introduction and Criteria

Introduction
Morning greetings and check-in with students.

Criteria for Substance Use Disorder

• Current diagnostic criteria focuses on Substance Use Disorder instead of the old term Substance Abuse.

• Diagnosis requires a minimum of two criteria met from a list of symptoms, highlighting a shift towards recognizing the complexity of these disorders.

Key Symptoms

1. Inability to fulfill major responsibilities

   • Example: Neglecting work or family obligations, which may lead to job loss or strained family relationships.

2. Using substances in dangerous situations

   • Example: Drinking and driving, operating machinery, or being under the influence while responsible for others (e.g., surgeons, pilots). Such behaviors increase the likelihood of accidents and harm.

3. Continued use despite interpersonal issues

   • Example: Arguments, physical fights, dysfunctional relationships due to substance use, which can result in isolation from family and friends.

Examples of Dangerous Situations

• Drinking and driving.

• Medical professionals using substances while treating patients, risking patient safety and care quality.

• Machinery operators (e.g., electricians, plumbers) under the influence, jeopardizing their own safety and that of others.

• Impact on responsibilities, particularly with vulnerable populations like children, can have long-lasting effects on their well-being.

Other Important Symptoms

• Cravings: Strong desire to use substances, often driving continued use, making it difficult to resist.

• Tolerance: Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect, leading to increased risk of dependence and overdose.

• Withdrawal: Physical and psychological symptoms experienced when minimizing or stopping use, which may motivate continued use; withdrawal can severely affect one's health and functioning.

Severity and Timeframe

• First indication of severity comes from the number of criteria met:

  • Mild: 2-3 criteria — may require monitoring and light intervention.

  • Moderate: 4-5 criteria — often needs more intensive treatment options.

  • Severe: 6 or more criteria — generally suggests a comprehensive treatment plan and possibly long-term support.

• A minimum of 12 months is necessary to consider these issues significant for diagnosis, reflecting the chronic nature of substance use disorders and the importance of sustained support for recovery.

Summary of Substance Use Disorders

• Comprehensive list includes various drugs (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.) as well as the potential for overlap with mental health disorders.

• Withdrawal symptoms vary by substance and can include severe reactions, especially with alcohol and benzodiazepines, necessitating medical supervision during detoxification.

Trends and Misuse Patterns

• Data indicates a significant number of individuals struggling with substance use disorders, particularly with alcohol and marijuana. Current trends show an increase in polysubstance use, complicating treatment and recovery efforts.

• Discussion on prescription drug misuse, focusing on pain relievers and the influence of pharmaceutical companies on accessibility and addiction; raising awareness about the impact of marketing and availability on public health.

Risk and Protective Factors

• Exploration of what leads to substance use disorders includes:

  • Access and exposure: How schools and communities engage with substance use regulations can dictate local substance availability.

  • Parental influence: Monitoring vs. enabling access, as parental attitudes significantly shape youth behaviors regarding substances.

  • Peer relationships: Influence of friends on substance use decisions; social circles can either support abstinence or reinforce use.

Closing Thoughts

• Importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of substance use disorders, including social, economic, and psychological factors.

• Encouragement for discussions on personality disorders in future sessions, emphasizing their relevance