EA SUD/OUD 101 & Brain Science of Addiction-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this comprehensive training session, hosted by Emily Mossberg with consultant Paul Hunsaker from the Opioid Response Network (ORN), the focus was on understanding substance use disorders, primarily relating to opioid and methamphetamine use. Paul provided insights into the different theories of addiction, underscoring the complexity of substance use disorder. He elaborated on how addiction can begin through personal choices but emphasized that it is not merely a matter of moral failing due to the significant neurological changes substances cause in the brain.<br /><br />Paul discussed the distinctions between mild, moderate, and severe substance use disorders, highlighting how brain circuits involving reward and motivation play a critical role in addiction cycles. The session explored how substances such as opioids affect brain chemistry, often leading to severe dependency marked by impaired judgment and social functioning.<br /><br />In examining opioids and methamphetamines, Paul noted the differentiation between synthetic opioids like fentanyl compared to naturally occurring opiates. He highlighted the potency of fentanyl and the necessity to administer multiple naloxone doses in some cases during overdoses. Methamphetamine's neurotoxic effects were also discussed, emphasizing how long-term use could severely impact cognition and behavior, leading to psychosis and other mental health issues. <br /><br />The training provided practical advice on harm reduction, encouraging professionals dealing with substance users to engage in motivational interviewing, understand the user's cycle of use, and offer available resources like naloxone for opioid overdoses. Further sessions were scheduled to cover harm reduction strategies, the use of medications for opioid use disorder, and motivational interviewing techniques.

Keywords

substance use disorders

opioid use

methamphetamine use

addiction theories

neurological changes

reward circuits

opioids

fentanyl

naloxone

methamphetamine effects

harm reduction

motivational interviewing

opioid overdoses

medications for opioid use disorder