ABCs of Substance Use Disorder

 

Substance use and mental health disorders can make daily activities difficult and impair a person's ability to work, interact with family, and fulfill other major life functions. It helps to stay informed, know the facts, and invest in prevention programs and initiatives that help to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use and misuse of drugs and other risky behaviors.

ADDICTION - drug addiction or substance use disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are considered drugs. When addicted, users may continue to use the drug despite knowing the harm it causes, even as it creates problems in everyday life or as it progresses into physical or psychological harm.

BRAIN & BEHAVIOR CHANGES - addiction can begin with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations. For some, drug use can become more frequent. It can cause absenteeism and loss of motivation leading to declining performance at school or at work. Physical Addiction occurs when repeated use of a drug changes the way your brain feels pleasure. Addictive Drugs can cause physical changes to nerve cells called neurons in your brain. Neurons use chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate. These changes can remain long after users stop using the drug. 

CAUSES - several factors may contribute to development of drug addiction including environment (family beliefs and attitudes/exposure to a peer group encouraging drug use) and genetics (inherited traits may lead to drug use and delay/speed up disease progression). Risk of addiction and how fast it occurs can vary by the type of drug. Opioid painkillers have a higher risk to cause addiction more quickly than others. Soon, larger doses may be needed just to feel good. As drug use increases, users find it difficult to live without the drug. Attempts to stop may cause intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and even physical illness.

PREVENTION - the best way to prevent an addiction to a drug is not to take drugs at all. If your medical provider prescribes a drug with potential for addiction, follow the instructions and use extreme care when taking it. Use of medications should be carefully monitored to ensure users are not given too large of a dose or taken for too long a time.