UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a major cause of serious health and social problems across Canada. Substance Use usually begins as a high or as an escape, as an illusion of being in control, but it turns on us. What results is a pathological relationship to a mood-altering experience that brings about negative, life-damaging consequences. 

This training will provide evidence-based information on substance use disorders and the self-destructive pattern of behavior. The popular understanding is that addiction is a compulsive, involuntary behavior. However, self-destructive behavior is not necessarily compulsive. This training will offer insight into the nature of substance use/ addiction based on objective definitions of voluntary and involuntary behavior, and the factors correlated with addiction. Specific topics to be covered include the stages and characteristics of addiction, its course, prevalence, symptoms associated with substance use disorders, community treatment and cultural issues, as well as treatment and recovery approaches. 

After completing this training, Community Mental Health professional staff will: 

• Identify the types of substances and their effects, including methods and use.
• Outline the continuum of substance use disorders as mild, moderate, or severe.
• Understand the pharmacology of substance use disorders including opioids and how they affect the brain. 
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of substance use in the context of community mental health practice.
• Discuss substance use disorders in a cultural context.
• Identify treatment modalities and the continuum of care.
• Understand the recovery process, relapse prevention (setbacks), and long-term recovery maintenance.
• Learn the most effective interventions for treating substance use disorders and mental health diagnosis (dual diagnosis).

Overview

• Drug Epidemic of the Decades
• Continuum of Drug Use
• Factors Leading to Substance Use Disorders
• Drug Classifications
• DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Diagnoses

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Opioids  

• Chemistry of Opioids and Fentanyl
• Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder
• Opioid Withdrawal

• Substance Use Disorders in a Cultural Context
• Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use in the Context of Community Mental Health

• Substance Use Disorders in a Cultural Context
• Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use in the Context of Community Mental Health

• Identify Treatment Modalities and the Continuum of Care
• Understand the Recovery Process, Relapse Prevention (setbacks), and Long-term Recovery Maintenance
• Effective Interventions for Treating Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Diagnosis