Substance Abuse Disorders: Introduction (01:41)

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Greg recalls using marijuana, amphetamines and alcohol. Hear statistics about substance abuse among Americans and learn about negative health effects.

Use and Abuse (03:06)

Humans have used psychoactive substances for millennia. Hear definitions of abuse, dependence and addiction. This program will focus on alcohol, cocaine and nicotine abuse.

Cocaine: the Experience (08:12)

Greg, David, and Patricia describe using the drug and how it negatively impacted their lives and relationships. Dr. Anna Rose Childress explains how it activates the brain's rewards center through the dopamine system. Learn about its physical dangers.

Alcohol: the Experience (03:15)

Scott, Margaret and Greg describe how alcoholism negatively impacted their lives and relationships. Drinking increases violent behavior, but it is unclear whether this is due to behavioral or psychological inhibition.

Substance Abuse: Risk Factors (10:10)

Biological, psychological and environmental determinants include genetics, psychiatric disorders, life events, and peer pressure. Experts discuss whether or not alcoholism is a disease. Although American Indians have a high alcoholism rate, genetics are not solely to blame.

Cocaine Addiction (02:14)

Hear why the drug's chemical effects on the brain make it highly addictive, even among people without substance abuse risk factors. David describes becoming socially isolated while using.

A Cigarette Break (03:56)

Nicotine is common but damaging to the health and highly addictive. Bill smokes two packs daily to relieve work stress. Hypnosis, nicotine substitutes, and willpower can help smokers to quit.

Substance Abuse: Treatment and Prevention (03:07)

Patricia describes a mental exercise to address her cocaine addiction. Treatment processes include detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare. Modalities include medication, psychotherapy, and support groups. Programs are most effective when tailored to individuals.

Treatment: Alcohol (06:33)

A Sioux Indian, Meredith began drinking at 12 to cope with abuse from his father. He sought help through a 12 step program using abstinence, the medicine wheel philosophy, and group counseling. He relates a spiritual awakening.

Alcohol Relapse Prevention (02:30)

Relapse prevention helps people deal more realistically with relapses, including avoiding trigger situations such as negative emotional states.

Alcohol Prevention Programs (04:03)

Dr. Alan Marlatt's team reaches out to college and high school students to help prevent alcohol abuse and alcoholism. University of Washington students participate in an experiment in which non-alcoholic beer creates a placebo effect.

Treatment: Cocaine (04:27)

After care through individual or group therapy is essential for preventing relapses. Dr. Anna Rose Childress' research shows environmental and social cues can trigger cravings. Her team weakens drug associations by exposing patients to controlled cues in a laboratory setting.

Future Directions (02:16)

Experts disagree on whether alcoholism and cocaine abuse are genetic. Treatment matching has led to an emphasis on group counseling. Prevention programs target college students.

Credits: Substance Abuse Disorders (01:24)

Credits: Substance Abuse Disorders