Why are drugs so hard to quit?

Addiction: Being enslaved to a habit or practice or something that is psychologically or physically habit forming (to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Abuse and addiction to alcohol, nicotine and illicit and prescription (Rx) drugs cost Americans more than $700 billion a year in increased health care costs, crime and lost productivity. Every year illicit and Rx drugs and alcohol contribute to the death of more than 90,000 Americans; nicotine – 480,000

There has been controversy over the cause of addiction. Historically, it was thought it was caused by a lack of willpower, by poverty, moral weakness, mental illness, genetics, family socialization, anti-social personalities and societal problems. Today addiction is seen as a disease; and like any other disease, many factors contribute - A disease that affects both the brain and behavior.

Who is impacted? Babies exposed to drugs in the womb may be born premature and underweight. This exposure can slow the child’s intellectual development and affect behavior later in life. Adolescents who abuse drugs often act out, do poorly academically and drop out of school. They are at risk of unplanned pregnancies, violence and infectious diseases.

Adults who abuse drugs often have problems thinking clearly, remembering and paying attention. They often develop poor social behaviors as a result of their drug abuse, and their work performance and personal relationships suffer. Parents drug abuse often means chaotic, stress-filled homes, as well as child abuse and neglect. Such conditions harm the well-being and development of children in the home and may set the stage for drug abuse in the next generation.

Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others do not? Turn to your table partner and discuss what factors contribute to addiction.

NO single factor determines whether a person will become addicted or not. The DRUG – The USER – The ENVIRONMENT What does put someone more at risk? How can we protect ourselves? Those we care about? Risk FactorsProtective Factors

Risk FactorsProtective Factors Aggressive behavior in childhoodGood self control Lack of parental supervisionParental monitoring Poor social skillsPositive relationships Drug experimentationAcademic competence Availability of drugs at schoolSchool anti-drug policies Community povertyNeighborhood pride

Biological factors that increase rate of addiction: Genetic factors account for between 40-60% of a person’s vulnerability to addiction. A person’s stage of development and other medical conditions are also factors. Adolescents and people with mental disorders are at greater risk of drug abuse and addiction than the general population.

What are your protective factors? Write down how you and your family are working to protect your mind and body from the damaging effects of use, abuse and addiction.

Continuum of Use Experimental use/ exposure to chemicals: Uses occasionally Interest or curiosity about chemicals Prescribed use (as intended) Appropriate settings (religious/cultural ) Experimental use/ exposure to chemicals: Uses occasionally Interest or curiosity about chemicals Prescribed use (as intended) Appropriate settings (religious/cultural ) No Use

Substance Misuse: Seeks the mood swing for stress relief in social settings Seeks the mood swing for life’s emotional stresses Body begins to adapt to higher levels of a chemical = tolerance/dependence Violates social norms or laws Substance Misuse: Seeks the mood swing for stress relief in social settings Seeks the mood swing for life’s emotional stresses Body begins to adapt to higher levels of a chemical = tolerance/dependence Violates social norms or laws

Substance Abuse: Conceals negative effects: lying to self, others, minimizing, justifying Preoccupation with chemical Increased tolerance Loss of self-esteem Beginning of a personality change: anger, depression Attempts to control use by stopping for a period of time to “regain control” Substance Abuse: Conceals negative effects: lying to self, others, minimizing, justifying Preoccupation with chemical Increased tolerance Loss of self-esteem Beginning of a personality change: anger, depression Attempts to control use by stopping for a period of time to “regain control”

Compulsion/Addiction: uses to feel a sense of emotional normalcy “chasing the high” Intense cravings Neglect of other responsibilities Inability to turn down an offer to use Inability to limit self- use Continue use Despite Adverse Consequences: Downplays the negative physical, psychological, social, financial and legal consequences

Addiction need not be a life sentence. Research shows that combining treatment medications (where available) and behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment is tailored to address each patient and must treat the WHOLE patient.