Real-Life Examples of Substance Use Disorder: Case Studies

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🧠 Substance Use Disorder (SUD): A chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive substance seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
• ⚠️ Diagnostic Criteria: Determined by the DSM-5, involving criteria such as impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological effects.
• 👨‍⚕️ Treatment Approaches: Include behavioral therapies (e.g., CBT, contingency management), medications (e.g., methadone for opioid use disorder), and support groups (e.g., AA, NA).
• 📈 Relapse: A common part of the recovery process; not a failure, but an indication for adjusted treatment strategies.
• 🤝 Co-occurring Disorders: SUD often occurs with other mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), requiring integrated treatment.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Substance Use Disorder according to the DSM-5?
   1. A) Occasional substance use during social events.
   2. B) Compulsive substance seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
   3. C) Mild preference for substance use over hobbies.
   4. D) Experiencing a single episode of substance withdrawal.
2. A patient consistently uses opioids despite knowing it’s negatively impacting their health and relationships. Which element of SUD does this best illustrate?
   1. A) Tolerance.
   2. B) Physical Dependence.
   3. C) Impaired Control.
   4. D) Withdrawal Symptoms.
3. What is a common behavioral therapy used in the treatment of SUD?
   1. A) Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
   2. B) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
   3. C) Insulin Shock Therapy.
   4. D) Trepanning.
4. A person in recovery relapses after a period of abstinence. How should this situation be viewed?
   1. A) As a complete failure of the treatment.
   2. B) As an indication for adjusted treatment strategies.
   3. C) As a sign that the person is not committed to recovery.
   4. D) As a reason to discontinue treatment.
5. Which of the following medications is commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder?
   1. A) Aspirin.
   2. B) Methadone.
   3. C) Amoxicillin.
   4. D) Ibuprofen.
6. What does it mean when someone has a 'co-occurring disorder' alongside SUD?
   1. A) They have a physical ailment unrelated to their substance use.
   2. B) They have another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
   3. C) They are allergic to the substance they are using.
   4. D) They are in denial about their substance use.
7. What is the primary goal of support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
   1. A) To provide medical advice and prescribe medications.
   2. B) To offer a supportive community and shared experiences.
   3. C) To conduct scientific research on addiction.
   4. D) To provide legal advice and representation.