presentation about drugs and alcohol

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

What Is drug addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.

Video: Why are Drugs So Hard to Quit?

What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs?

Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit," causing euphoria as well as flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. A properly functioning reward system motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors like taking drugs, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.

As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug to try and achieve the same high. These brain adaptations often lead to the person becoming less and less able to derive pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food, sex, or social activities.

Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:

• decision-making

Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction.

Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don't?

No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

• Biology . The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
• Environment . A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.
• Development . Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs.

Can drug addiction be cured or prevented?

As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.

More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

Points to Remember

• Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.
• Brain changes that occur over time with drug use challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. This is why drug addiction is also a relapsing disease.
• Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Relapse indicates the need for more or different treatment.
• Most drugs affect the brain's reward circuit by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy activities, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.
• Over time, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine, which reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high.
• No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.
• Drug addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed.
• More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

For information about understanding drug use and addiction, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction

For more information about the costs of drug abuse to the United States, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics#costs

For more information about prevention, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/prevention

For more information about treatment, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/treatment

To find a publicly funded treatment center in your state, call 1-800-662-HELP or visit:

• https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

This publication is available for your use and may be reproduced in its entirety without permission from NIDA. Citation of the source is appreciated, using the following language: Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Presentations

Bdap prevention services.

BDAP Prevention runs prevention groups in schools and community locations aimed at developing coping and resistance skills in today’s youth.  We also offer materials and presentations on these topics that are free to the public.

FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders)

This presentation covers prevention and identification of fetal alcohol disorders which are the damaging effects on a developing baby that can occur when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol. It also offers suggestions for interventions for individuals who are affected. This presentation can be a one-hour presentation and is appropriate for teen and adult audiences.

Say No to ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs)

This 45-minute to one-hour presentation focuses on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs including marijuana and prescription medications.  The long-term and short-term effects of these substances are also discussed.  This presentation highlights refusal skills and programs available for those seeking treatment for addiction issues.  This presentation can also be tailored for audiences of all ages.

Marijuana Myths

This is a 30 minute to one-hour presentation that discusses the myths surrounding marijuana. The effects of marijuana on the brain, the heart, and the impact it has on development will be presented. There will also be discussion on the scientific evidence of the hazards of legalization and the problems that plaque the communities that have chosen to legalize.  This presentation is appropriate for secondary students and adults. Now that Pennsylvania has a medical marijuana program, many questions have arisen on what forms of marijuana can be used as well as the conditions approved for medical marijuana use.  This presentation can answer those questions if requested.

Prescription Drug Abuse, Storage and Disposal

This presentation is approximately an hour and covers the dangers of prescription drug abuse.  In today’s society, access to addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications is often times readily available.  There is a growing trend across several age groups with particular prescription drug types being sought after and abused. Discussion will focus on the dangers that prescription drugs can possess and education on medication safety and where to go for help.  This presentation will also highlight appropriate methods of storage and disposal of prescription medication.  This presentation is appropriate for adults.

Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Dangers

This is a 45 minute to one-hour classroom or assembly type presentation. It covers the effects of tobacco on the human body, the dangers of addiction and the lasting hold it can have on an individual. Also discussed will be the marketing strategies of big tobacco companies and their influence on youth, as well as the epidemic of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers and Juuling and their dangers.

Understanding Addiction

This is an approximately one-hour presentation that focuses on the dynamics of addiction and the brain.  This presentation is appropriate for adult populations.

Current Drug Trends

This presentation details the current trends in drug and alcohol use and the signs and symptoms of use.  As trends come and go, we need to stay educated on what substances are being currently “in” as we recognize that what is hot today may not be tomorrow.  This presentation also highlights “hiding places” and inventive ways someone may use drugs and alcohol.  A large display of drug paraphernalia will be presented and made available for the audience to examine. This presentation is appropriate for adults.

When Gambling Crosses the Line

This is a 30-45-minute presentation that focuses on the differences between recreational gambling and problem gambling. Signs and symptoms of problem gambling are given with the effects on older adults, college students, teens and children. This presentation is appropriate for secondary students and adults.

Power of Parents

MADD’s Power of Parents program empowers parents of middle school and high school students to have ongoing, intentional conversations about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.  This program is approximately 45 minutes and is appropriate for adults.

Parents 360 Rx

Parents360 Rx is a program developed by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to increase parents’ knowledge of substance use and improve a parent’s confidence in their ability to speak with youth about substance use, particularly prescription drugs.

Grandparents 360 Rx

Grandparents are playing an ever-changing role in the lives of their grandchildren.  Some are spiritual guides or playmates.  Some are full-time caregivers.  This presentation is a guide for older adults on how to discuss drug and alcohol prevention and issues with the younger generation.  Highlights include ideas for conversation and safe drug storage and disposal safety. Presentation is appropriate for adults.

Impact Teen Driver

The number one killer of young people in America is reckless and distracted driving.  Distracted driving can include drinking and driving, cell phone use while driving and even distractions such as talking with friends in the vehicle.  This presentation is aimed towards high school students and focuses on the choices and consequences related to underage drinking and distracted driving. 

Red Ribbon Week

BDAP Prevention provides presentations to help celebrate Red Ribbon Week! These presentations can include the history of the initiative and its importance.

Our Services

Wondering what all BDAP does? We can highlight the services our office offers including case management, screenings and assessments, DUI services, support groups and prevention resources.

Looking for something you don’t see here? BDAP Prevention can tailor any of these presentations to meet your needs for audience or topic! To schedule a presentation or learn more information, contact Prevention at (814) 381-0921.

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News & Events

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Digital health technology shows promise for efforts to address drinking among youth.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

This article was first published in  NIAAA Spectrum   Volume 16, Issue 2 .

Underage drinking and alcohol misuse by young adults are serious public health concerns in the United States. The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 15.1% of people ages 12 to 20 and 50.2% of people ages 18 to 25 reported drinking alcohol in the past month, with 8.2% of 12- to 20-year-olds and 29.5% of 18- to 25-year-olds reporting  binge drinking  in the past month. 1 , 2  Surveys also consistently find that young people are among the biggest users of the internet and mobile devices.

“There is an urgent need for innovative interventions to prevent alcohol misuse among our nation’s young people,” said National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Director George F. Koob, Ph.D. “Internet and mobile technologies have the potential to significantly expand our prevention efforts.”

In December 2023, NIAAA held a webinar, “ Harnessing Technology and Social Media to Address Alcohol Misuse in Adolescents and Emerging Adults ,” featuring NIAAA-supported research conducted by Maureen Walton, M.P.H., Ph.D., of the University of Michigan and Mai-Ly Steers, Ph.D., of Duquesne University.

In her talk titled “Optimizing Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Violence Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults,” Dr. Walton discussed the importance of early interventions and how strategies that address multiple factors simultaneously may be more effective in preventing alcohol misuse over time. She also emphasized the potential benefits of more selective alcohol prevention interventions for youth at risk for binge drinking, as opposed to universal interventions that are designed to reach a broader age group.

Dr. Walton, Rebecca Cunningham, M.D., and colleagues previously developed  SafERteens . SafERteens is a single-session, motivational interview-based intervention delivered by a therapist to youth ages 14 to 18 during an emergency department visit for a medical illness or injury. The researchers found that alcohol-related consequences and severe aggression were reduced in the year following the intervention.

Dr. Walton’s team has expanded SafERteens to include digital boosters such as telehealth sessions with a health coach and text messages to reduce violence and alcohol misuse. Preliminary data from a recent study show that participants who received SafERteens plus digital boosters reduced their alcohol consumption, their involvement with violence, and the consequences associated with alcohol use and violence over the course of the study.

“Digital technology is an exciting and feasible way to extend interventions and prevention to youth in real time in their daily lives,” said Dr. Walton.

In her talk, “Social Media Use - Friend or Foe? How It Has Been Problematic Yet Holds Promise for Addressing College Drinking,” Dr. Steers discussed the relationship between social media and alcohol consumption, particularly among college students. Although much about social media’s influence on alcohol use is unknown, research has consistently found a link between young people’s exposure to alcohol-related social media posts and their alcohol consumption and related problems. Alcohol-related social media posts by young people have also been found to be robust predictors of alcohol consumption and problems.

Dr. Steers and her colleagues are examining factors that influence young people’s susceptibility to alcohol-related social media content and the individual differences that affect their drinking patterns. The researchers have found that some of the main reasons that college students who drink post alcohol-related content on social media are to obtain attention and approval from their peers and to convey status or popularity. In addition, exposure to other people’s alcohol-related content may normalize drinking and portray it as socially rewarding, both of which can in turn influence a student’s alcohol consumption.

Although social media is linked to increased alcohol misuse, it also holds promise for addressing alcohol misuse among college students. Dr. Steers and her team are working to develop novel interventions targeting students ages 18 to 26 who drink excessively and who are also avid social media users. As a step toward a more standardized measure for research, her team created an alcohol-related content and drinking scale in which students use their alcohol-related posting behavior to recall their drinking retrospectively. The researchers are using this tool within the context of personalized normative feedback−a brief intervention that corrects perceptions of normal behavior−by giving people feedback on their self-reported drinking and their perceptions of how much they think their peers drink.

“Given that we know for sure that social media is a major source of social influence, future research should really try to leverage it as a tool to promote the reduction of drinking,” said Dr. Steers.

Dr. Koob added, “Digital technology offers a path into people’s daily lives and can reach people where they are and on their terms. Therefore, it provides opportunities to reach broader segments of society, from people who are reluctant to get help for an alcohol problem to youth who may be at risk for initiating or escalating alcohol use.”

NIAAA also supports a variety of other studies that are leveraging social media and other technologies to develop novel alcohol prevention and treatment interventions for youth. Such studies include:

• Developing social media-inspired games to help reset perceptions of normal behaviors surrounding alcohol
• Expanding use of existing mobile phone-based apps to reduce alcohol-related sexual assault on college campuses as well as to reduce alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorder after sexual assault
• Using virtual reality to provide insight into alcohol’s effects on behavior

References:

1  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Table 2.27B—alcohol use in past month: among people aged 12 or older; by age group and demographic characteristics, percentages, 2021 and 2022. [cited 2023 Dec 8]. Available from:  https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42728/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetTabsSect2pe2022.htm#tab2.27b

2  SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Table 2.28B—binge alcohol use in past month: among people aged 12 or older; by age group and demographic characteristics, percentages, 2021 and 2022. [cited 2023 Dec 8]. Available from:  https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42728/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetTabsSect2pe2022.htm#tab2.28b

niaaa.nih.gov

An official website of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

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