Transforming Approaches to Approaches to Treat Substance Use Disorders-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session aims to redefine the approach to substance use disorders and addiction by using neurobiology. The presenter highlights the historical misinformation in the field and the need for updated knowledge. The session explains the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, emphasizing its chronic nature and the complexities involved. It stresses that relapse should be viewed as a part of the chronic disease process rather than a failure, similar to other chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. The presentation discusses the societal and historical context of substance use disorders in America, highlighting a shift from prescription opioids to heroin, then to fentanyl, and finally to stimulants like methamphetamine. It critiques past public health messaging, such as the "this is your brain on drugs" campaign, for oversimplifying the issue. The neuroscience of addiction is explored, showing how drugs hijack the brain's reward systems, making abstinence difficult. The session calls for compassionate, evidence-based approaches to treatment, challenging existing biases and perceptions, and promotes language that reduces stigma. The ultimate goal is to align treatment approaches with the scientific understanding of addiction as a chronic, yet treatable, condition.

Keywords

neurobiology

substance use disorders

addiction

chronic disease

relapse

opioid crisis

public health messaging

stigma reduction