Transcript Substance Abuse and Prevention

Substance Abuse
and Prevention
3/26/2016
Why do people take and abuse
alcohol and other substances?
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To get “high”
To “escape”
To feel better
To alleviate pain
To relax
To reduce their inhibitions
To enhance confidence and performance
To “fit in”
To satisfy their curiosity
What is addiction?
The National Institute of Drug Abuse
(NIDA) defines addiction as “a chronic,
relapsing brain disease that is characterized
by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite
harmful consequences.”
National Institute on Drug Abuse
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction
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What causes addiction?
Repetitive use of alcohol and other
substances causes physical changes to occur
in the brain, which result in a greater release
of “dopamine.” Dopamine is a chemical that
controls movement, emotion and feelings of
pleasure. Substance abusers feel compelled
to continue using in order to repeat the
euphoria produced from the dopamine.
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What happens with
long-term substance abuse?
The brain adjusts to the increased amounts
of dopamine and begins to produce less of
the chemical. The person begins to
“tolerate” the substance and does not get the
same “high” as before. The abuser increases
dosage and/or frequency in order to get the
desired effect. Once a person becomes
physically dependent on a substance, they
may experience physical withdrawal.
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Other brain effects of
substance addiction:
Addiction “erodes a person's self-control
and ability to make sound decisions, while
sending intense impulses to take drugs.”
NIDA
The Science of Addiction
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Signs and symptoms of
substance abuse :
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Inability to control the urge for the substance
Feeling that you can’t cope without it
Keeping a supply on-hand
Spending money on the substance when you
don’t have it
• Using desperate measures such as stealing to
obtain the substance
• Driving under the influence
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms
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Complications of substance abuse
and addiction:
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Cardiovascular disease and stroke
Cancer
Hepatitis B and C
HIV/AIDS
Lung disease
Worsening of mental illness/symptoms
Problems with employment
Relationship problems
Legal issues
Substance Abuse Prevention
• Don’t allow children, adolescents and teens
to drink alcohol
• Keep prescription drugs in a safe place
• Set a good example
• Watch for signs and symptoms of substance
abuse in adolescents and teens
• Educate youth about addiction and the
effects of alcohol and other substances on
the brain
• Encourage open and honest communication
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When to seek help:
If alcohol or other substances are
keeping you or someone you know
from enjoying life, contact a qualified
substance abuse professional.
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How to access help:
Call CenterPoint’s toll-free,
24-hour Customer Services number at
1-888-581-9988
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QUESTIONS?
Visit CenterPoint’s website, www.cphs.org, or call us at
336-714-9100;
Attend additional Community Education Meetings;
Post your question on the CenterPoint Facebook page;
For general information, contact Penny Casto, Consumer and
Community Operations Manager, 336-778-3545 or email
[email protected]
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