Substance Abuse Reflection Paper

During this course I have learned a significant amount regarding substance abuse. All my years within the medical field, I never looked at substance abuse patients as unique, delicate, and should be treated with care. I have increased my level of understanding and now have the tools to have substance abuse conversations with my patients, family members, or friends. What gave me a different outlook on substance abuse treatment is understanding that some patients have a co-occurring diagnosis that may change their treatment plan. I always thought that one treatment needed to be completed prior to the next treatment, and during this class, I’ve learned that co-occurring disorders are the most difficult to treat based on the acuity of the patient.

Through research and information provided in this course, I understand why such a disorder is difficult to treat and overcome. With SUDs, scientist have discovered when a foreign substance like drugs, alcohol, or opioids are introduced to the body and is used on a regular basis, the brain alters its chemistry to crave this substance. During this chemical change, the brain releases an excessive amount of dopamine, causing the person to become dependent. The body goes through a phase where they develop a tolerance to the amount of substance used and more is needed to get the same effect as if they were ingesting a smaller amount. The body also craves the substance in order to function normally. This change can occur rapidly or there can be a small subtle change over time. Regardless of how faint the changes are, your brain develops an uncontrollable, compulsive response to the constant drug use due to the dopamine receptors adapting to the substance. Scientist have also proven that addiction does not necessarily have to be to a substance but can be related to an impaired control, or some sort of persistent behavioral action. With behavioral dependence, there is no craving, but just like a chemical dependence, the brain circuit and chemicals are