9.6 Chapter Summary
Key Summary Points
- There are many misperceptions about substances, substance use, and SUD that negatively impact how we view and respond to substance use and people experiencing SUDs.
- SUDs are complex health problems associated with a number of interacting biological, psychological, and social risk factors. These factors interact to increase susceptibility to substance use problems.
- The COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on social services, has had a disproportionately negative impact on PWUS and people experiencing SUDs, including increased rates of drug poisoning (overdose) and fatalities.
- The future direction of efforts to prevent substance use issues, while providing outreach and services for PWUS and those experiencing SUDs, needs to be based on wellness and compassion. With an upstream and downstream focus on health, we can address protective factors in the prevention of SUDs. We can also offer services that are compassionate and respectful of the needs of people experiencing SUDs, where they are right now.
Additional Resources
Additional Viewings
CrashCourse. (September 22, 2014). Trauma and addiction: Crash course psychology #31 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/343ORgL3kIc
DW News. (February 26, 2021). High on lockdown: Substance abuse during the pandemic | COVID-19 Special [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/kyYy6jrxUXw.
Additional Readings
Alberta Health Services. (August 2019). Abstinence & harm reduction.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/hrs/if-hrs-abstinence-and-harm-reduction.pdf
