1. Substance Abuse

2. A Substance defined… Any item that is taken that alters Cognitive
Emotional
Physical
abilities

3. Drugs
Alcohol
Over-the-counter medication
Prescription medication

4. A lifelong physical and mental illness that manifests in
craving or a strong desire or urge to use a specific substance
using the substance over a longer period than intended
a need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve a desired effect
characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
a great deal of time spent in activities to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects
failure to meet/fulfil obligations
persisting in situations that are physically hazardous
recurrent social or interpersonal problems
giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities

5. 1995 NASA Study on the Effect of Drugs on a Garden Spider

6. Before
And
After

8. Are certain personalities more prone towards addiction?
no single personality trait
some common characteristics:
impulsive
“thrill-seekers”
poor impulse control
low frustration tolerance
non-conformist
insecure
sensitive reactions to stress
low self-esteem
anti-social personality traits

9. All in the family… can the pattern be broken?
multiple factors determine drug abuse, many completely separate from genetic make-up
healthy coping mechanisms for stressors (eg. hobbies or exercise) replace negative coping strategies
communicating feelings in a healthy way from a young age helps one cope with emotional distress