Substance Use Disorder 101
Drug and alcohol addictions are severe forms of substance use disorder (SUD), which can be frightening to navigate. Learning how it affects your loved one physically, emotionally, and mentally can help you understand what they’re dealing with, and how to help guide them towards the right support.
1. Understand, prevent and treat substance use disorder
Resource: Partnership to End Addiction
2. Learn how substances affect the brain and body
Resource: Shatterproof
https://www.shatterproof.org/learn/addiction-basics/science-of-addiction
3. Rethinking how addiction works
Resource: TED Talk “Everything you know about addiction is wrong” with Johann Hari
https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong
4. How coexisting mental disorders can lead to substance use
5. Differences between addiction, intoxication and substance use disorder
Resource: Memorable Psychology and Neurology
6. How substance use becomes a personal solution for suffering
Resource: TEDx Talk “The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power” with Dr. Gabor Maté
