1. Introduction
- Topic: Addiction Prevalence, Symptoms, and Course
- Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
- Focus: Understanding addiction as a chronic disease affecting brain function and behavior.
2. Prevalence of Addiction
-
2012 Statistics:
- 6.5% of the population over age 12 reported heavy drinking.
- 9.2% reported illicit drug use.
-
2021 Statistics:
- 14.3% reported illicit drug use, possibly influenced by marijuana legalization.
- 5.8% reported heavy drinking, showing a slight decrease.
-
Interpretation: The statistics provide insight but may be influenced by changing legal statuses of substances like marijuana.
3. Addiction as a Disease
-
Definition: Addiction is a chronic disease that impacts brain reward, motivation, and memory circuits.
-
Diagnosis: The DSM-5 categorizes substance-related disorders into intoxication, withdrawal, and substance use disorders.
-
Impact on the Brain: Addiction causes physiological changes, particularly in dopamine and opioid systems, leading to altered brain function and behavior.
4. Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
-
Categories: Intoxication, withdrawal, and substance use disorder.
-
Symptoms of SUD:
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Cravings
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit
- Excessive time spent on substance-related activities
- Reduction in other activities
- Continued use despite harm
- Use in risky situations
- Social or relationship problems
-
Severity Levels:
-
Mild: 2-3 symptoms
-
Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
-
Severe: 6 or more symptoms
5. Addiction Progression
-
Chronic Nature: Addiction is progressive and can lead to severe disability or premature death if untreated.
-
Physiological Course: Repeated substance use causes surges in brain chemicals, leading to tolerance and dependence.
-
Relapse Potential: Even after treatment, cravings can persist, particularly during early and sustained remission.
6. Types of Addictions
-
Chemical Addictions: Alcohol, drugs, etc.
-
Behavioral Addictions: Gambling, internet use, sex, shopping, etc.
-
Process Addictions: Non-substance-related activities that trigger similar brain responses as drugs.
7. Treatment and Recovery
-
Treatment Planning: Depends on the severity, types of addiction, symptoms, and individual resources.
-
Considerations: Age, cognitive functioning, physical and mental health conditions, and availability of resources.
-
Chronic Management: Recovery involves continuous management of addiction, addressing underlying issues, and rebuilding brain function.
8. Psychological and Physical Dependence
-
Physical Dependence: Involves neurological changes that require the substance for normal functioning.
-
Psychological Dependence: Results from mood effects due to neurochemical imbalances and stress responses.
9. Concurrent Disorders
-
Co-occurring Issues: Depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions often accompany addiction.
-
Importance of Comprehensive Care: Addressing all co-occurring disorders is crucial for effective recovery.
10. Future Directions
-
Next Session: Focus on models and theories of addiction.
-
Understanding Addiction: Continued exploration of addiction as a complex, multifaceted disease requiring a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Addiction Prevalence, Symptoms, and Course
00:07:41 - The Consequences of Process Addictions
00:15:17 - Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
00:22:35 - Signs of Substance Use Disorder
00:29:59 - Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
00:37:40 - The Brain's Response and Adaptation to Reward Stimulation
00:44:47 - Cross Tolerance and Signs of Dependence
00:52:37 - The Pain of Unfulfilled Desires
01:00:19 - Compulsive Behaviors and Addiction
01:08:11 - Deep Brain Stimulation for Mental Health
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes 