What is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic relapsing condition characterized by ____________ drug seeking and abuse, ________________________________ ______________________ Addiction is a brain ________ Sustained drug abuse leads to changes in both the structure and function of the brain

Neurons Talking

The end result: Cravings Our brains are wired to pursue natural rewards (food, love, sex) Drug use begins to ________ these same circuits This activation causes our brain to ________ __________ These cravings become even stronger than those for food and love.

The Pre-frontal Cortex Located in the _______________ Allows us to weigh __________________ Referred to as “The Seat of Sober Thought” Pre-Frontal Cortex still developing in teenagers “What are the implications of this information?”

How Addiction is Diagnosed For a person to be diagnosed as an addict at least 3 of the following symptoms must be present: 1.Symptoms of tolerance 2._____________________ 3.Use of substance in large amounts or for __________________ 4.The desire or attempt to reduce or control use 5.________________________________________________ 6.A reduction in social, recreational or occupational activities because of drug use 7.Continued use despite of ____________________________

Risk Factors for Addiction Having parents or immediate family members who are/were addicted to drugs or alcohol ___________________________ Other mental disorders Experiencing trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse Stressful life events _________________ Exposure to drugs, or being pressured to use them ______________________________________

Myths About Addiction Addicts are bad, crazy or stupid __________________ __________ Addicts need to be punished for using drugs, not treated. ___________________ ____________________ ________________ Addiction cannot be treated with medication ___________________ _________ Since addicts can stop using drugs by attending meetings, addiction cannot be a brain disease

Routes of Administration Oral Administration Injection Inhalation Absorption Discussion Questions How does the route of administration affect the addictive properties of the substance ? Can the route of administration affect the risks of using the drug?