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Addiction and RecoveryWhat I Wished I Had Known

Change Addiction Now

Wisconsin United We C.A.N.

*Source: JAMA Psychiatry Journal

90% of heroin users are white 52% of users seeking treatment are women 23 is the average age of someone with an

opiate addiction 75% live in small cities and non-urban areas 81% of first time heroin users abused

prescription drugs first

Face of Addiction has Changed

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Prescription Opiates

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What is Addiction?

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Every user has the potential to be an abuser.

Non Use

Experimental Use

Occasional Use

Regular Use

Abuse

Dependency /Addiction

Stages of Use

Adolescents move through these stages at a greater rate of speed than adults.

Unless there is a predisposition to addiction, it takes 8-10 years for an adult to travel from experimentation with alcohol and/or other drugs to becoming dependent

It takes a Adolescents anywhere from 3-15 months.

Stages of Use Progression

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Addiction by the Numbers

1 in every 3 families impacted

Source: Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

3 out of 10 become addicted

22 million in active addiction from substances

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Most Significant Impacts on Society

Alcohol Most AddictiveHeroinMost Long-term ImpactsMeth

Most Harmful Drugs

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What Determines Addiction? Biology

◦ Genetics (Family with addiction)◦ Brain Chemicals (Dopamine levels)◦ Age (Younger brains more susceptible)◦ Chemical Interaction Specific Drugs◦ Mental Health Issues

Environment◦ Family/Friend Influences◦ Social/Economic Status◦ Low Self-esteem◦ Traumatic Experience◦ Physical/Emotional Pain◦ Stress

Environmental influences can reduce dopamine levels in the

brain

It’s In the Brain

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Dopamine and The Brain Dopamine is natural neurochemical that produces

feelings of pleasure Dopamine is increased by many drugs thus

causing pleasure The human body accounts for this and decreases

the natural amount of dopamine This now lower level of dopamine can encourage

increased future use of substances

Dr. Michael MillerMedical Director, Herrington Recovery Center, Clinical Adjunct Professor Addiction Medicine, UW School of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Professor Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of WI

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Addiction is a Brain Disease. Period

Addiction Changes Thinking

Use of deceit (to others and ourselves) Victim stance Rules do not apply to me Over reaction, hostile or angry Neglecting goals, things enjoyed Forgetfulness: losing everyday things such

as car keys, wallet, money Isolation from family Don’t care about looks, dress New friends

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Life with Addiction

Disrupts stability of the home◦ Addiction-related behaviors are central to everything

Breaks up family and marriage unity ◦ Unable to leave house/do things together◦ Isolation and withdrawal from each other◦ Financial disagreements◦ Discord over how to handle situations with child actively using

Impacts siblings◦ Feel alone and unimportant

◦ Develop anxiety and depression

◦ Develop anger towards parents

◦ Turn to same behaviors as addictive siblings

Stresses mental and physical health Depletes finances

Addiction is a Family Disease

Lie to protect it? Manipulate to protect it? Steal to protect it? Hurt someone to protect it?

Brain Drug most important thing their body needs, so get at all costs!

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What Can You Lose?

Recognizing Warning Signs of Abuse and Addiction

Need more for same effect

Use to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms 

Constant anticipation of using

Life revolves around using it; abandon activities you used to enjoy

Neglect of responsibilities 

Problems in relationships

Use under dangerous conditions or taking risks while using (like driving under the influence)

Continue to use despite knowing it’s hurting you 

Legal trouble resulting from use

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Recovery is Possible!

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Treatment Cycle

Outpatient

Support Groups Inpatient Sober

LivingRecovery

Coach

Home Job Friends Family Activities Entertainment Places Frequented

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Why Recovery is so Hard

What I Wish I had Known Addiction is a brain disease

◦ Some people are born with a genetic disposition to addiction

◦ Drugs, behavior, trauma, etc. changes the chemical processes in the brain, so not being able to “just quit” isn’t because they are weak

How to recognize abuse and addiction◦ Abuse: get an OWI and you stop drinking/driving

◦ Addiction: get an OWI but can’t change your behavior

How to talk to a friend who needs help◦ Don’t judge or shame, but offer acceptance and understanding

How to find help◦ County crisis lines, 211, support groups, school counselor, AODA

counselors

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It Would Happen To Me

Change Your Conversations I’m allergic. No thanks, I’m not into it. I don’t want it to impact my ability

to…(play sports, play music, be in a club, be a good parent, etc.).

I don’t need to (drink/do drugs) to have fun.

Tried it and didn’t like it. I like to stay in control. No!

◦ (FYI…No is a complete sentence)

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Question:◦ I’m worried about your partying lately…do you

feel like things are getting out of control? Persuade:

◦ I really care about you and you to find help. Refer:

◦ I think talking to [someone] is a good idea and I can go with you.

QPR is CPR

TeacherCounselor

ParentFriend’s

ParentOlder Sibling

CrisisCenter

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My Son is NOT his Disease

Bringing the family voice to addiction and

recovery through support, education, and

advocacy25

Wisconsin United We C.A.N.Change Addiction Now

www.changeaddictionnow.org/wisconsin.html