Recognizing and Avoiding Addiction and Drug Abuse ADDICTION

Recognizing and Avoiding Addiction and Drug Abuse

ADDICTION • continued involvement with a substance or behavior despite its ongoing negative consequences • Latin for “enslaved by” or “bound to”

If you do something that feels pleasurable, the brain is wired in a way that teaches you to want it, seek it out, and repeat it. Source: NIDA – The Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction, drugabuse. gov

Brain adjusts to surges in dopamine by “turning down the volume” Source: NIDA – The Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction, drugabuse. gov

Tolerance and withdrawal are important criteria for determining whether or not someone is addicted.

Compulsive behaviors produce the same feelings as an addictive drug, which can lead to addiction

(1) Compulsion (1) Loss of Control (1) Negative Consequences (1) Denial

Cycle of Psychological Addiction

Addiction negatively affects family and friends CODEPENDENCE • Family/friend controlled by an addict’s behavior

Habit or Addict?

Quiz Question TRUE or FALSE Gambling seems to go hand-in-hand with other problem behaviors, including binge drinking, smoking, illicit drug use, and unsafe sex after drinking.

75% of college students gamble Reasons: Risk, Excitement, Making Money

1 in 8 Internet users will likely experience addiction

Psychoactive: change brain chemistry and have the potential to alter mood or behavior.

Drug Misuse: use for purposes for which it was not intended Drug Abuse: excessive use

Quiz Question What is the most dangerous method of drug administration? A) Oral Ingestion B) Inhalation C) Suppositories D) Intravenous injection E) Transdermal

Routes of Administration TOPICAL ENTERAL • • • Oral • Suppositories Inhalation Smoking Snorting Transdermal PARENTERAL • Injection

Likelihood of addiction directly linked to the SPEED, INTENSITY, & RELIABILITY of dopamine release

Drug effects can be and often are unpredictable.

SYNERGISM Multiplies drug effects to where 2 + 2 = 10

Quiz Question TRUE or FALSE: Because they are prescribed by doctors and approved by the FDA, many college students seem to perceive prescription drugs as safer and more socially accpetable than illicit (illegal) drugs.

Teenagers, young adults, and people over the age of 65 are most vulnerable to abusing OTC drugs.

Quiz Question What illicit drug do college students reports as most widely used? A) ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse) B) Prescription pain killers (Oxycontin, Percocet) C) Marijuana D) Alcohol

Today, the abuse of prescription medications is at an all-time high.

Marijuana smoke contains 50 – 70% more carcinogenic (cancer causing) hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.

Risk Factors • • • Positive expectations Genetics and family history Substance use in high school Mental health problems Sorority and fraternity membership

Former users often say that drugs ended up isolating them from friends and family and made them feel more alone.

Protective Factors • • • Parental attitudes and behavior Religion and spirituality Student engagement College athletics Healthy social network

Quiz Question TRUE or FALSE: In terms of treatment and recovery, the most difficult step is the cost of treatment.

DENIAL is the hallmark of addiction

Recovery from addiciton is a long, difficult process, and is far beyond willpower alone.

Harm reduction strategies reduce the negative consequences of drug use

Surround yourself with positive influences and get involved around campus in one or several extracurricular activities to reduce your risk.