Post a total of 2 substantive replies to other students. Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words each:

Aimee Kaiser

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Substance abuse involves several areas of the brain, together referred to as the reward pathway, in which addiction is facilitated through the brain’s neurotransmitters, responsible for transporting messages throughout the brain (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016). Depending upon an individual’s tolerance level, they will need more or less of a particular substance to achieve a pleasurable effect. Withdrawal symptoms that occur when the substance leaves the body can sometimes be uncomfortable and result in the continued use of the substance to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Pleasurable effects of substance use in correlation with the negative effects of withdrawal often lead to continued use and dependence.

The brain chemistry and existing neural pathways are actually changed by continued substance use and abuse. Research has shown that nearly half of alcoholics actually sustain brain damage (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016). Substance use causes impairment in functioning, so injuries, health problems, and even death (overdose, accidental death) can occur as a result of substance abuse and addiction. Different types or classes of drugs affect people in different ways: alcohol is a depressant, which slows the nervous system, while stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines speed up the inner systems (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016). Outside of the physical risks and effects of addiction, users’ relationships, jobs, and mental health can suffer as a consequence.

Addiction within a family can damage relationships, and is often accompanied by abuse, violence, tension, and ongoing trauma. Immediate family members are likely to be heavily impacted by substance use, even though they are not the primary user. Often, family members find themselves excusing or covering for a family member’s addiction and helping them hide their addiction from others outside the household. In relationships/marriages, couples can experience sexual issues, verbal and physical abuse, and separation and divorce. And for children of alcoholic parents, they are at a greater risk for developing an addiction themselves, due to the ongoing trauma they experience during their developmental years (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016).

Before treatment can begin, there must be an assessment process to determine the extent of the addiction. One method of screening for addiction is the intake interview, which relies on the user being open and honest, but can provide a wealth of information about their dependence and lead to more appropriate treatment planning and referrals (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016). A genogram is also an effective tool for assessing the extent of addiction, as it provides information about family members’ substance usage and other interactional factors that might affect an individual’s initial choice and continued dependence on a substance (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016). Interviewing others close to the client, with the client’s permission, can also provide the counselor with insight about the client’s habits and impacts of substance use.

Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M. D. (2016). Foundations of addictions counseling (3rd ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

Mark Smith

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Describe the biological effects of substances of abuse.

Drug addiction is still a phenomena that in many ways still defies a simple explanation. Regardless of the contributing factors that cause an individual’s addiction, it’s the underlying effects and actions of the drug that first needs to be understood how the substance affects the brain and why certain drugs are more addictive than others. The biological effects of substances of abuse first starts with the literal commandeering of an individual’s pleasure and reward system. This takeover changes the brains chemistry and in many ways destroys certain areas of the brain such as the basal ganglia (pleasure/rewards center), prefrontal cortex (thinking, self-control), and the extended amygdala (emotion processing).

What are the potential effects of substance abuse and addiction on the individual?

Potential effects of substance addiction on an individual needs to be divided into both short term and long term usage. Short term effects can range from variations in appetites, heart rate, blood pressures, increase/decrease in fatigue, stroke, psychosis, overdose and even death. Any of these can occur after a single use of addictive substance.

Some of the long term effects have a far more reaching effect on the human brain and can lead to changes in motor activities, memory loss, aggression issues, skin issues, dental issues, early-onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, schizophrenia, immune deficiencies, and death. The long term effects will vary depending on which substance the individual is addicted to.

What are the potential effects of substance abuse and addiction on the family?

Addiction can be devastation to a family. The impact on children in the family ranges from a decrease in taking care of the child’s basic needs to the correlation between addiction and increased risk of child abuse (physical/emotional).

Families can suffer from significant financial problems with affording the addiction and on many occasions will lead to the inability to provide basic living needs or family support. Along with the financial issues there will be a decrease in the amount of trust that is needed in order to make a marriage and family successful. Family dynamics can change and dysfunctional family roles can develop.

What are some of the standard screening and assessment instruments for substance-related disorders and process addictions? How do they help?

One of the most used in both clinical and research settings is the Addiction Survey Index. Addiction Survey Index, also referred to as ASI, is achieved through a semi-formatted consultation where information about drug/alcohol use, family/social history, medical, psychiatric, legal, and employment/financial history. The ASI has been found to be very reliable and valid when used across genders, ethnicities, substance addictions, and the treatment settings.

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse Treatment: Addressing the Specific Needs of Women. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2009. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 51.) Chapter 4: Screening and Assessment. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83253/

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Edited by Mark Smith on Aug 4, 2021, 12:52:30 PM