Substance Abuse Issues October 7, 2011 Dean L. Babcock, LCAC, LCSW Associate Vice President Midtown Community Mental Health Center

Short Definition of Addiction: Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with ones behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011

Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011

The neurobiology of addiction encompasses more than the neurochemistry of reward The frontal cortex of the brain and underlying white matter connections between the frontal cortex and circuits of reward, motivation and memory are fundamental in the manifestations of altered impulse control, altered judgment, and the dysfunctional pursuit of rewards American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011

Genetic factors account for about half of the likelihood that an individual will develop addiction. Environmental factors interact with the persons biology and affect the extent to which genetic factors exert their influence. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011

Addiction is characterized by: Inability to consistently A bstain; Impairment in B ehavioral control; C raving; D iminished recognition of significant problems; A dysfunctional E motional response. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011

Overall prescription drug misuse for pregnant women is lower than for women in general. PregnantNot Pregnant General Use 6% 9.3% Pain Relievers 4.4% 6.9% Tranquilizers 2.0% 3.3% Stimulants 1.3% 2.0% SAMHSA, 2004

However, the trend we are seeing is a switch to abuse of opiates.

Combined 2006 and 2007 data indicates that the rate of past month alcohol use among women 15 to 44 was lower for those who were pregnant (11.6%) than for recent mothers (42.1%). Other women not pregnant or recent mothers were at ( 54%). NSDUH Report Sept., 2008

Nearly 16%of pregnant women ages used alcohol in past month and consumed an average of 24 drinks in the past month. NSDUH, 2008

USDA defines moderate drinking for women as up to one drink per day, but any drinking during pregnancy is risky!! NIAAA