A PPT of Addiction Counseling by Dr Komal Verma. Addiction counselors help patients overcome dependence on drugs, alcohol, and destructive behaviors like gambling. Counselors intervene when patients are often at their lowest points in their struggles with addiction. A certified drug and alcohol counselor may also work with the families of addicts to assist the healing process. These professionals may work in outpatient facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers, halfway houses, or hospitals.

1. Addiction Counselling
Dr.Komal Verma
Professor
AIBAS

2. Definitions…………….
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance
use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder)
have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point
that it takes over their life. (American Psychiatric Association)
Addiction is a chronic disorder with biological, psychological, social and environmental factors
influencing its development and maintenance. (American Psychological Association)
Division 50 (Society of Addiction Psychology) promotes advances in research, professional
training and clinical practice within the broad range of addictive behaviors including
problematic use of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs and disorders involving gambling,
eating, sexual behavior or spending (shopping).

3. Few Facts….
In both Punjab and Haryana,
drug addiction is a major
political issue as well. While
18 of the 22 districts in Punjab
are among those identified by
the NCB, 10 out of Haryana’s
22 districts also figure in the
national list of districts most
affected by substance abuse.
By Anubhuti Vishnoi,ET Bureau|Last
Updated: Feb 09, 2020, 11.17 PM IST
By Ambika Pandit, Times of India, Feb 2019

4. Most Addictive Drugs
In 2007, British psychiatrist David Nutt and a team of addiction experts investigated the most harmful drugs. In a study
published in The Lancet, Nutt’s team assessed the harm, dependence and potential misuse associated with 20 drugs.
1.Heroin
2.Cocaine
3.Nicotine
4.Street methadone
5.Barbiturates
6. Alcohol
7. Benzodiazepines
8. Amphetamines
9. Caffeine

5. Why take Drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a
variety of reasons, including:
to feel good — feeling of pleasure, “high”
to feel better — e.g., relieve stress
to do better — improve performance
curiosity and peer pressure

6. Symptoms of substance use disorder
(AmericanPsychiatricAssociation)
Impaired control: a craving or strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed
attempts to cut down or control substance use
Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school
or home; social, work or leisure activities are given up or cut back because of
substance use
Risky use: substance is used in risky settings; continued use despite known problems
Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal
symptoms (different for each substance)

7. Effects of Addiction
Addictive drugs exert significant changes on the central nervous system.
Substances such as alcohol and heroin increase dopamine levels in the brain, producing
euphoric effects.
Over time, drug use can cause compulsive behavior, dependence and severe withdrawal
symptoms.
Drinking too much can cause brain, heart and liver problems. Drinking has also been linked to
cancer.
Benzodiazepines group of drugs can cause motor incoordination, delirium and hallucinations.
Extensive use of benzodiazepines can increase tolerance and result in dependence.
Amphetamines are stimulants that are often prescribed to treat ADHD , but misuse can cause
increased blood pressure, insomnia and a psychosis similar to schizophrenia.

8. How to understand Addiction Level
Presence and severity of withdrawal symptoms
Reinforcement
Cravings and tolerance
Rates of dependence and relapse
Level of intoxication

9. Other kind of Addictions
Smartphones
Gambling
Caffeine
Chocolate and Other Sweets
Social Media

10. Onset of Addiction
Anything that alters your mood can become addictive. Addiction is more than a
physical dependence on drugs or alcohol or any other addictive substance
It begins as self-medication to help you manage pain.
The reward you get when you see that makes you want more. That becomes
something you can't live without.
.

11. Triggers that lead to relapse
Stress, especially sudden life stresses
Cues in the environment, like visiting a neighborhood
Social networks, like spending time with friends who continue to use

12. Psychological Interventions & Therapies
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Couple Therapy
Outpatient
Residential
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

13. Individual vs. Group Therapy
While any counseling therapy for drug abuse treatment is better than none, group
therapy is generally preferred over individual therapy. In group therapy, you’re more
likely to be both challenged and supported by peers who are also going through drug
rehab.
Twelve-step programs like Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous are also peer support
groups. They can be a useful part of your recovery program. But keep in mind that
they aren’t led by a trained psychotherapist and, thus, aren’t the same as group
therapy.
Individual therapy can help when you have depression, bipolar disorder, or another
significant mental health condition that requires treatment in its own right, separate
from your addiction.

14. Couples and Family Therapy
An addiction doesn't only affect your life; your whole family is transformed. Successful
treatment requires strong relationships with family and friends. Various counseling methods
include your spouse and other family members.
Why try family or couples therapy?
Family members can be a powerful force for change in your life.
Including them can make you more likely to stay in therapy.
They can begin to heal the damage your addiction has caused in their life.
Studies show family therapy results in lower relapse rates, increased happiness in the family,
and helps children of addicted parents manage their situation.

15. Outpatient vs. Residential Treatment
Residential therapy separates you from the place and things that led you to use drugs. You’ll
go away to a special facility for a period of weeks to months. While there, you’ll learn new
habits or skills for sober living.
While this approach works well in the short term, there’s no proof it helps you stay away from
drugs any longer than outpatient programs, which you’ll attend for anywhere from a few
hours to several hours a day while you live somewhere else.
In fact, relapse may be more likely if you go from a controlled, inpatient environment back to
your home, where it’s easy to start using again. Also, residential drug abuse treatment
programs are expensive. They can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and insurance plans
don’t always cover them.
Outpatient treatment programs are the usual setting for drug and alcohol abuse treatment.

16. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches you how to recognize moods, thoughts,
and situations that fire up drug cravings. A therapist teaches you how to avoid these
triggers. You’ll learn to replace negative thoughts and feelings with healthy ones that
will help you stay clean.
The skills you’ll learn can last a lifetime, so this is a powerful treatment method. But
not all therapists are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

17. Few Disorders related to Addiction
1. In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5), gambling disorder is included in a new category on behavioral
addictions.
2. Internet gaming disorder is included in DSM-5 in the section of disorders requiring
further research.
3. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition describes
opioid use disorder as a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to problems or
distress.

18. Reference
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior – The Science of
Addiction
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous