1. Substance Abuse and Prevention 9/23/2015

2. Why do people take and abuse alcohol and other substances? To get “high” To “escape” To feel better To alleviate pain To relax To reduce their inhibitions To enhance confidence and performance To “fit in” To satisfy their curiosity 9/23/2015

3. What is addiction? The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” National Institute on Drug Abuse http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction 9/23/2015

4. What causes addiction? Repetitive use of alcohol and other substances causes physical changes to occur in the brain, which result in a greater release of “dopamine.” Dopamine is a chemical that controls movement, emotion and feelings of pleasure. Substance abusers feel compelled to continue using in order to repeat the euphoria produced from the dopamine. 9/23/2015

5. What happens with long-term substance abuse? The brain adjusts to the increased amounts of dopamine and begins to produce less of the chemical. The person begins to “tolerate” the substance and does not get the same “high” as before. The abuser increases dosage and/or frequency in order to get the desired effect. Once a person becomes physically dependent on a substance, they may experience physical withdrawal. 9/23/2015

6. Other brain effects of substance addiction: Addiction “ erodes a person's self-control and ability to make sound decisions, while sending intense impulses to take drugs.” NIDA The Science of Addiction 9/23/2015

7. Signs and symptoms of substance abuse : Inability to control the urge for the substance Feeling that you can’t cope without it Keeping a supply on-hand Spending money on the substance when you don’t have it Using desperate measures such as stealing to obtain the substance Driving under the influence Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms 9/23/2015

8. Complications of substance abuse and addiction: Cardiovascular disease and stroke Cancer Hepatitis B and C HIV/AIDS Lung disease Worsening of mental illness/symptoms Problems with employment Relationship problems Legal issues 9/23/2015

9. Substance Abuse Prevention Don’t allow children, adolescents and teens to drink alcohol Keep prescription drugs in a safe place Set a good example Watch for signs and symptoms of substance abuse in adolescents and teens Educate youth about addiction and the effects of alcohol and other substances on the brain Encourage open and honest communication 9/23/2015

10. When to seek help: If alcohol or other substances are keeping you or someone you know from enjoying life, contact a qualified substance abuse professional. 9/23/2015

11. How to access help: Call CenterPoint’s toll-free, 24-hour Customer Services number at 1-888-581-9988 9/23/2015

12. QUESTIONS? Visit CenterPoint’s website, www.cphs.org, or call us at 336-714-9100;www.cphs.org Attend additional Community Education Meetings; Post your question on the CenterPoint Facebook page; For general information, contact Penny Casto, Consumer and Community Operations Manager, 336-778-3545 or email pcasto@cphs.org pcasto@cphs.org 9/23/2015