2. Learning Objectives
◦ Types of substances and their effects
◦ Continuum of substance use
◦ Brain chemistry
◦ Signs & symptoms
◦ Culture
◦ Treatment modalities and continuum of care
◦ Recovery process, relapse prevention and long-term
maintenance
3. Individual Factors that increase risk for use or
misuse
Devlopmental
Environmental
Social
Genetics
Co-occuring mental disorders
8. The Brain
Science
Disease of brain reward,
motivation, memory, and related
circuitry.
Dysfunction in these circuits leads
to biological, psychological, social,
and spiritual manifestations.
This is reflected in an individual
pathologically pursuing reward
and/or relief by substance use and
other behaviors.
9. Drug Use
Physical changes in the brain
Critical areas
Judgment
Decision making
Learning
Memory
Behavior control
10. The Rise & Fall of
the cocaine high
◦ National Institute on Drug Abuse
◦ Effects of cocaine on the brain
◦ The Rise and Fall of the Cocaine High” video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l80vd2JjkjM
◦ PET scan 2007- outdated
11. Dopamine & Substance use
Neurotransmitter Reward circuit
Reinforces pleasurable
behaviors
Leads to forming a habit
Reinforces the connection
between using and the
pleasurable experience
Trains brain to repeat
12. Dopamine Receptors in Addiction
Alters
neurotransmission
Depletes the
brain's dopamine
receptors
Inability to
experience
pleasure and
reward.
Changes in the
brain making this
difficult to stop.
