8066-1 Substance Use Disorders: An Overview Training Course for Attendees

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a presentation aimed at addressing the opioid crisis and substance use disorders, Dr. Suzuki, an esteemed psychiatrist from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, elaborates on the chronic nature of addiction and its neurobiological underpinnings. He highlights addiction as a chronic illness, similar to diabetes or hypertension, characterized by a cycle of craving and loss of control rather than mere substance use. Drawing connections to brain chemistry, particularly the role of dopamine, he explains how addiction alters the brain’s pleasure centers and leads to powerful cravings that can last long after substance use stops. Treatment frameworks include a biopsychosocial approach involving medication, counseling, and creating a supportive recovery environment. Dr. Suzuki underscores harm reduction strategies, comparing them to other healthcare measures like using seatbelts. He also emphasizes the need for stigma reduction and employing appropriate language to improve treatment engagement. Lastly, Dr. Suzuki discusses trauma-informed care, the impact of early life adversities on substance use disorders, and the dynamic nature of behavior change, stressing that recovery is possible with appropriate treatment and support.

Keywords

opioid crisis

substance use disorders

neurobiology

addiction treatment

harm reduction

stigma reduction

trauma-informed care

dopamine