Addiction is a Brain Disease-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This presentation from the Opioid Response Network, funded by SAMHSA, focuses on addressing opioid and stimulant use disorders, particularly in justice settings. The training emphasizes addiction as a chronic brain disease, highlighting how substances impact brain function and lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Opioid-related changes in brain chemistry, such as dopamine release and receptor engagement, affect judgment and pleasure perception, altering behavior and reinforcing addiction.<br /><br />The recommended treatment involves a medical model using FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, which are more effective than abstinence alone. These medications stabilize brain chemistry, reducing withdrawal symptoms and eliminating drug cravings, thereby supporting recovery.<br /><br />Special attention is given to justice-involved populations, where substance use and criminal behavior overlap significantly. Effective screening and treatment within this group can reduce recidivism and improve public health outcomes. The training stresses the importance of integrating medication-based treatment into correctional settings to improve post-release outcomes and prevent relapse and overdose.<br /><br />Finally, the session concludes with an appeal for feedback to improve future training, underscoring the ongoing efforts to educate and provide resources for combating substance use disorders.

Keywords

Opioid Response Network

SAMHSA

opioid use disorder

stimulant use disorder

justice settings

addiction treatment

methadone

buprenorphine

naltrexone