Addiction Counselor Exam Review

• Past 30 Day statistics, According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, • 6.5% of the population over 12 reported heavy drinking • 9.2% reported illicit drug use • The majority of people who use recreationally will not need treatment • Addiction is characterized by compulsive craving for the substance and using that substance despite negative consequences • Cravings and compulsive behavior are caused in large part as a consequence of substance use or addictive behaviors on the brain causing • Emotional • Cognitive • Physical • Behavioral changes Definition of Addiction • Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. • Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations reflected in pathological pursuit of a reward and/or relief by a substance. • Without treatment and/or engagement, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. (ASAM 2011, NIDA 2007)