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