Substance Abuse-Fundamental Facts and Insights
Covers topics related to substance abuse in society: identification of substance, reasons for
abuse of alcohol and of drugs, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, and approaches and
techniques recognized as effective in substance abuse counseling.
Fact
Pouches of coca leaves mixed with guano or ash and cornstarch called cicada were used for
chewing. It was so common in ancient Peruvian culture that it became a standard unit of time
and distance.
One cicada = the distance one could walk before the effects of a single wad would wear off
(approximately 45 minutes)
question
Discuss one of the five routes of administration and drug absorption
Types - inhalation, injection, mucus membrane absorption, oral ingestion, and contact
absorption
(The following answers I used do not copy verbatim)
Mucus membrane absorption is a method to use certain types of drugs in a powdered form
effects are usually more intense than oral ingestion as it bypasses the stomach acids and liver,
this method includes inhaling or “snorting” the powdered drug through the nose. An older
method of placing the drug under the tongue or as a suppository.
What are the two parts of the nervous system and how do they function?
CNS or Central Nervous System is one-half of the nervous system. It consists of the spine and
brain. It analyzes and responds to messages from the Peripheral Nervous System sending
those messages to the appropriate systems of the body.
The Peripheral Nervous System is comprised of two parts, the somatic system that transmits
sensory information and limb and muscle position, and the Autonomic system that controls
involuntary internal functions like circulation, digestion, and respiration.
Explain the “go” switch and the “stop” switch and what happens when addiction takes over.
The “go” switch is essentially your old brain's survival instinct. The reason for fight or flight and
subconscious reaction. It tells you what you need to do to survive.
The “stop” switch is what lets you know you’ve had enough. For example, when the “go” switch
tells you you are thirsty and need to drink water it is the “stop” switch that tells you when you’ve
had enough.
Addiction essentially corrupts the “stop” switch. Keeping the mind in “go” mode craving the
subject of addiction makes it seem as if the substance is needed for survival.
Explain the “desired effects” vs. “side effects” of psychoactive drugs is often relieve of pain,
positively affect emotional/mental health, or forget emotional, mental, or physical problems.
Covers topics related to substance abuse in society: identification of substance, reasons for
abuse of alcohol and of drugs, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, and approaches and
techniques recognized as effective in substance abuse counseling.
Fact
Pouches of coca leaves mixed with guano or ash and cornstarch called cicada were used for
chewing. It was so common in ancient Peruvian culture that it became a standard unit of time
and distance.
One cicada = the distance one could walk before the effects of a single wad would wear off
(approximately 45 minutes)
question
Discuss one of the five routes of administration and drug absorption
Types - inhalation, injection, mucus membrane absorption, oral ingestion, and contact
absorption
(The following answers I used do not copy verbatim)
Mucus membrane absorption is a method to use certain types of drugs in a powdered form
effects are usually more intense than oral ingestion as it bypasses the stomach acids and liver,
this method includes inhaling or “snorting” the powdered drug through the nose. An older
method of placing the drug under the tongue or as a suppository.
What are the two parts of the nervous system and how do they function?
CNS or Central Nervous System is one-half of the nervous system. It consists of the spine and
brain. It analyzes and responds to messages from the Peripheral Nervous System sending
those messages to the appropriate systems of the body.
The Peripheral Nervous System is comprised of two parts, the somatic system that transmits
sensory information and limb and muscle position, and the Autonomic system that controls
involuntary internal functions like circulation, digestion, and respiration.
Explain the “go” switch and the “stop” switch and what happens when addiction takes over.
The “go” switch is essentially your old brain's survival instinct. The reason for fight or flight and
subconscious reaction. It tells you what you need to do to survive.
The “stop” switch is what lets you know you’ve had enough. For example, when the “go” switch
tells you you are thirsty and need to drink water it is the “stop” switch that tells you when you’ve
had enough.
Addiction essentially corrupts the “stop” switch. Keeping the mind in “go” mode craving the
subject of addiction makes it seem as if the substance is needed for survival.
Explain the “desired effects” vs. “side effects” of psychoactive drugs is often relieve of pain,
positively affect emotional/mental health, or forget emotional, mental, or physical problems.
