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2. *Source: JAMA Psychiatry Journal  90% of heroin users are white  52% of users seeking treatment are women  23 is the average age of someone with an opiate addiction  75% live in small cities and non-urban areas  81% of first time heroin users abused prescription drugs first

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5. Every user has the potential to be an abuser. Non Use Experimental Use Occasional Use Regular UseAbuseDependency / Addiction 5

6.  Adolescents move through these stages at a greater rate of speed than adults.  Unless there is a predisposition to addiction, it takes 8-10 years for an adult to travel from experimentation with alcohol and/or other drugs to becoming dependent  It takes a Adolescents anywhere from 3-15 months. 6

7. 1 in every 3 families impacted Source: Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 3 out of 10 become addicted 22 million in active addiction from substances

8.  Most Significant Impacts on Society  Alcohol  Most Addictive  Heroin  Most Long-term Impacts  Meth 8

9. 9  Biology ◦ Genetics (Family with addiction) ◦ Brain Chemicals (Dopamine levels) ◦ Age (Younger brains more susceptible) ◦ Chemical Interaction Specific Drugs ◦ Mental Health Issues  Environment ◦ Family/Friend Influences ◦ Social/Economic Status ◦ Low Self-esteem ◦ Traumatic Experience ◦ Physical/Emotional Pain ◦ Stress Environmental influences can reduce dopamine levels in the brain

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11.  Dopamine is natural neurochemical that produces feelings of pleasure  Dopamine is increased by many drugs thus causing pleasure  The human body accounts for this and decreases the natural amount of dopamine  This now lower level of dopamine can encourage increased future use of substances

12. Dr. Michael Miller Medical Director, Herrington Recovery Center, Clinical Adjunct Professor Addiction Medicine, UW School of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Professor Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of WI 12

13.  Use of deceit (to others and ourselves)  Victim stance  Rules do not apply to me  Over reaction, hostile or angry  Neglecting goals, things enjoyed  Forgetfulness: losing everyday things such as car keys, wallet, money  Isolation from family  Don’t care about looks, dress  New friends

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15.  Disrupts stability of the home ◦ Addiction-related behaviors are central to everything  Breaks up family and marriage unity ◦ Unable to leave house/do things together ◦ Isolation and withdrawal from each other ◦ Financial disagreements ◦ Discord over how to handle situations with child actively using  Impacts siblings ◦ Feel alone and unimportant ◦ Develop anxiety and depression ◦ Develop anger towards parents ◦ Turn to same behaviors as addictive siblings  Stresses mental and physical health  Depletes finances

16.  Lie to protect it?  Manipulate to protect it?  Steal to protect it?  Hurt someone to protect it?  Brain  Drug most important thing their body needs, so get at all costs! 16

17.  Need more for same effect  Use to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms  Constant anticipation of using  Life revolves around using it; abandon activities you used to enjoy  Neglect of responsibilities  Problems in relationships  Use under dangerous conditions or taking risks while using (like driving under the influence)  Continue to use despite knowing it’s hurting you  Legal trouble resulting from use 17

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19. 19 Outpatient Support Groups Inpatient Sober Living Recovery Coach

20.  Home  Job  Friends  Family  Activities  Entertainment  Places Frequented 20

21.  Addiction is a brain disease ◦ Some people are born with a genetic disposition to addiction ◦ Drugs, behavior, trauma, etc. changes the chemical processes in the brain, so not being able to “just quit” isn’t because they are weak  How to recognize abuse and addiction ◦ Abuse: get an OWI and you stop drinking/driving ◦ Addiction: get an OWI but can’t change your behavior  How to talk to a friend who needs help ◦ Don’t judge or shame, but offer acceptance and understanding  How to find help ◦ County crisis lines, 211, support groups, school counselor, AODA counselors 21

22.  I’m allergic.  No thanks, I’m not into it.  I don’t want it to impact my ability to…(play sports, play music, be in a club, be a good parent, etc.).  I don’t need to (drink/do drugs) to have fun.  Tried it and didn’t like it.  I like to stay in control.  No! ◦ (FYI…No is a complete sentence) 22

23.  Question: ◦ I’m worried about your partying lately…do you feel like things are getting out of control?  Persuade: ◦ I really care about you and you to find help.  Refer: ◦ I think talking to [someone] is a good idea and I can go with you. 23

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25. Bringing the family voice to addiction and recovery through support, education, and advocacy 25 www.changeaddictionnow.org/wisconsin.html