SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND REHABILITATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Danielle EK Perkins, PhD, RN

Perspective The Community The Family The Individual

“ Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain—they change it’s structure and how it works. These changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.”

Background Inquiry into the science of addictive behavior began in 1930s People of all ages and backgrounds suffer from substance abuse and addiction Addiction research supports development of programs that aim to prevent drug abuse and support recovery

The Nation In the United States : Treatment Crime-related Cost Collateral Damage > $600 Billion Annually

Individual Risk Factors Early Aggressive Behavior Poor Social Skills Lack of Parental Supervision Drug Availability Poverty

Why do they do it? To feel good To feel better To do better Curiosity and “because others are doing it”

Family Matters Failure in school and poor social interaction Domestic violence Child and sexual abuse

Community Impacts Failure to attain or loss of employment Workplace and vehicular accidents Homelessness Violence and Crime

Individual Treatment Consideration for culture, educational background, resources, and attitudes of significant others are integral to success. Addiction is a life-long condition for the individual. Moderate use or long term abstinence is the ultimate goal and must begin with detoxification. Sustained and repeated treatment is often necessary.

Family Care Treatment of individuals should include family or significant others and attempt to engage important social network members in the process.

Community Interventions Age-appropriate substance abuse education programs aimed at prevention. Crisis centers and comprehensive treatment centers for physical/emotional/spiritual components of addiction. Follow-up and support rehabilitation, including 12-step recovery.

Resources Midtown Community Mental Health Fairbanks Hospital Indiana Prevention Resource Center

References Holzemer, S. P. & Klainberg, M. (2014). Community health nursing: An alliance for health. 2 nd ed. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Nies, M. A. & McEwen, M. (2011). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations. 5 th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders. United States Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2010). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. (NIH Pub No ).