Div

ing
into Dee
Add per
icti
on
Refresher: What is Addiction?
What we learned so far…

● Addiction- the inability to stop partaking in certain activities or consuming

certain chemicals or substances
● Usually starts with voluntary engagement
● Addiction can then take over and reduce self-control

Example:
Sally drinks alcohol after a bad day→ Every bad day she now has a drink→ Every little stressor causes
Sally to drink to feel better→ Sally now can’t make it throughout the day without drinking
Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse→ The use of illegal drugs, prescription or

over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol for purposes other than those for which
they are meant to be used
● These purposes may include:
○ To produce pleasure
○ To alleviate stress
○ To alter/avoid reality
How common is substance abuse in America?
In 2017, the NSDUH reported 19.7 MILLION American adults battled a substance
use disorder of some kind that year

Age Group:

Adolescent (12-17 yrs)- Approx. 992,000

Young adults(18-25 yrs)- Approx. 5.1 million

Adults (>26 yrs)- Approx. 13.6 million

Elderly individuals (> 65 yrs)- More than 1 million

Commonly Abused Drugs

1. Alcohol
2. Marijuana
3. Prescription drugs and OTC
4. Heroin
5. Cocaine
6. Methamphetamine
7. Tobacco/ Nicotine
The Danger of Drugs

● Constant and consistent use of drugs allowing with substance

and drug abuse can affect people in a variety of ways
○ Alterations in mood
○ Clouds judgement
○ Distorts perceptions
○ Alters reaction times

● All these effects can increase a person’s risk of injury, accidents,

and even danger
Why is substance abuse important?

● Substance abuse has major impacts on people, families, and

communities
○ Contribute to many social, physical, mental, and public health
problems
● Some common problems include:
○ Domestic violence
○ Child abuse
○ Motor vehicle crashes
○ Physical fights
○ Suicide
Some questions to ask yourself or others if potentially
dealing with addiction
Asking the right questions can help you decide whether to get someone or seek
professional treatment

● “Has drinking and drug use caused relationship problems?”

● “Has drinking or drug use caused problems with primary responsibilities?”
● “Have you ever tried to stop using alcohol or drugs but was unsuccessful?”
● “Has drinking or drug use caused signs of illness?”
● “It is difficult to have a good time without using substances?”
● “Have others expressed concerns about alcohol or drug use?”
How to help those dealing with addiction

DO DON’T
● Provide support ● Criticize
● Encourage ● Threaten
● Respect ● Except change right away

Also…
● Expect difficulties
● Establish trust
● Communicate
● Identify Treatment Options
● Get help for yourself if needed