Transcript Slide 1
Facts
In 2008, an estimated 20.1 million Americans aged 12 or older were current (past-month) illicit drug
users. (8.0% of the population).
23.1 million persons w12 or older needed treatment for illicit drug or alcohol use (9.2% of the
population) (2008 SAMSHA National Survey on Drug Use and Health report)
2.3 million received treatment at a specialty facility (0.9%)
Substance use disorders affect 45% of patients who present for medical care but are routinely
unrecognized by healthcare providers.
The use of structured screening and assessment strategies (e.g. CAGE Questionnaire) is essential
in the assessment of substance use disorders
Staging the severity of addiction, calibrating patients’ readiness to change behaviors, and willingness
to access professional help are crucial
Patients are more likely to follow plans that are negotiated in partnership with treaters and
renegotiated at follow-up visits.
Sustained recovery requires many resources. To achieve treatment goals, physicians should
become comfortable referring patients to resources such as self-help groups, professional
treatment programs, and psychiatrists to treat co-morbid psychiatric disorders.
Drugs & the Brain
Structures
Brain stem
Limbic system
Cerebral cortex
Brain communication
How drugs work in the brain?
Long term affects
DSM IV TR Criteria- Abuse
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant
impairment or distress as manifested by one (or more) of the following,
within a 12-month period:
Recurrent substance use resulting in failure to fulfill major role
obligations at work, school or home related to use; substance-related
neglect of children or household
Recurrent use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
Recurrent substance-related legal problems (DUI, disorderly conduct)
Continued use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal
problems caused or worsened by effects of the substance.
DSM IV TR Criteria- Dependence
Addiction (dependence, per APA): maladaptive pattern of substance use
leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by
three (or more) of the following, within a 12-month period:
Tolerance
Withdrawal
Substance taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than
intended
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use.
Great deal of time spent obtaining, using or recovering from use.
Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or
reduced to accommodate use.
Use despite knowledge of persistent physical or psychological problems
are likely to have been caused or worsened by use.
Can occur with or without physiological symptoms of tolerance &
withdrawal (psychological addiction)
High index of concern for
substance use in persons with:
Family history of substance use disorder
Recent stressful life events and lack of social supports
Chronic pain or illness, trauma
Mental illness (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
Drug-seeking behaviors
Physical and cognitive disabilities
Started alcohol use before age 15
Medical condition associated with substance use
Addiction & Disease
THIQ & alcohol
Opiates & serotonin
Cocaine & reward system
Cross addiction
Levels of Care
Detox versus treatment
28 day programs
25-35% of people who complete addiction treatment will
be readmitted to treatment within 1 year &
50% will be readmitted within 5 years
Community based treatment programs
Relapse & Recovery
First 3-6 months greatest likelihood of relapse,
HOWEVER people can relapse at any time, even after
many years
Recovery/sobriety is not just an absence of symptoms
Relapse is not fully stabilized until 4-5 years of
sustained recovery.
Interview w/ someone in recovery
http://webcampus.drexelmed.edu/nida/module_1/def
ault.htm
Screening & Assessment:
General observations
Behavior
Mood
Co-occurring mental illnesses, dual diagnosis
Daily routine
Screening & Assessment:
If it SOUNDS like and excuse, it IS an excuse
Checklist Handout
Questions and follow-up
The most reliable info is in response to our follow-up
questions
Red Flags
AA/NA: The program and the excuses
Now that we have additional info,
how do we apply it to find best
interest?
Impact of parental/caretaker substance
abuse on children;
the importance of environment.
Impact on kids at every age &
stage- psychological & physical
8.3 million (11%) children live w/ at least one parent in
need of treatment
1 in 4 kids under 18 lives in a home where alcohol &
drug abuse is a fact of daily life
Children whose parents abuse alcohol & drugs are 3
times more likely to be verbally, physically or sexually
abused & 4 times more likely to be neglected
Resources
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/
NIDA.gov
SAMHSA.gov
http://webcampus.drexelmed.edu/nida/module_1/def
ault.htm