Substance Abuse and Prevention

04/19/23

Why do people take and abuse alcohol and other substances?

•To get “high”•To “escape”•To feel better•To alleviate pain•To relax•To reduce their inhibitions•To enhance confidence and performance•To “fit in”•To satisfy their curiosity

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What is addiction?

The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.”

National Institute on Drug Abusehttp://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction

04/19/23

What causes addiction?

Repetitive use of alcohol and other substances causes physical changes to occur in the brain, which result in a greater release of “dopamine.” Dopamine is a chemical that controls movement, emotion and feelings of pleasure. Substance abusers feel compelled to continue using in order to repeat the euphoria produced from the dopamine.

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What happens with long-term substance abuse?

The brain adjusts to the increased amounts of dopamine and begins to produce less of the chemical. The person begins to “tolerate” the substance and does not get the same “high” as before. The abuser increases dosage and/or frequency in order to get the desired effect. Once a person becomes physically dependent on a substance, they may experience physical withdrawal.

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Other brain effects of substance addiction:

Addiction “erodes a person's self-control and ability to make sound decisions, while sending intense impulses to take drugs.”

NIDAThe Science of Addiction

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Signs and symptoms of substance abuse :

•Inability to control the urge for the substance•Feeling that you can’t cope without it•Keeping a supply on-hand•Spending money on the substance when you don’t have it •Using desperate measures such as stealing to obtain the substance•Driving under the influenceMayo Clinichttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms

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Complications of substance abuse and addiction:

•Cardiovascular disease and stroke•Cancer•Hepatitis B and C•HIV/AIDS•Lung disease•Worsening of mental illness/symptoms•Problems with employment•Relationship problems•Legal issues

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Substance Abuse Prevention•Don’t allow children, adolescents and teens to drink alcohol•Keep prescription drugs in a safe place•Set a good example•Watch for signs and symptoms of substance abuse in adolescents and teens•Educate youth about addiction and the effects of alcohol and other substances on the brain•Encourage open and honest communication

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When to seek help:If alcohol or other substances are

keeping you or someone you know from enjoying life, contact a qualified

substance abuse professional.

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How to access help:Call CenterPoint’s toll-free,

24-hour Customer Services number at 1-888-581-9988

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QUESTIONS?

Visit CenterPoint’s website, www.cphs.org, or call us at 336-714-9100;

Attend additional Community Education Meetings;

Post your question on the CenterPoint Facebook page;

For general information, contact Penny Casto, Consumer and Community Operations Manager, 336-778-3545 or email pcasto@cphs.org

04/19/23