AUDIT-C is a screener test for evaluating current alcohol consumption risk. 

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It is a mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medication. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most powerful form of SUDs.

Substance Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder is characterized by symptoms such as alcohol craving, recurrent use of alcohol that interferes with the fulfillment of one’s daily responsibilities, alcohol-seeking behavior, inability to control one’s drinking, drinking despite potential hazards (e.g., drinking while driving), the need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve its effects (tolerance), and withdrawal symptoms when one stops or reduces alcohol intake (e.g., hand tremors, nausea, agitation, hallucinations). The disorder is distinguished as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of these symptoms that an individual may have: Mild cases present with two to three symptoms; moderate cases four to five symptoms; and severe cases six or more symptoms.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

The study found that the AUDIT-C change score was positively associated with psychedelic substance dose, acute mystical experiences' intensity, personal meaning, pre-AUDIT-C scores, alcohol distress, AUD symptoms prior to the experience, and years with a drinking problem. Higher alcohol consumption and distress before the experience related to greater AUDIT-C change scores. A higher psychedelic substance dose was linked to increased insight, mystical effects, and personal meaning, all contributing to higher AUDIT-C change scores. Overall, the model fit was excellent, indicating the significance of these associations.

Relations and paths between alcohol consumption and psychedelic experiences

Zhao et al. “Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, vol. 68, no. 7, July 2020, https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16391. 

Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Addictions counseling, also called substance abuse counseling, is a specialization in counseling that focuses on treating individuals with a dependency on drugs or alcohol.

Addictions Counseling

Mindfulness has been studied for its usage in those suffering from addiction to substances. Mindfulness has been shown in some scenarios to be effective in decreasing addictive behaviors in people addicted to substances such as opioids, heroin, cocaine, drinking, and smoking. 

Mindfulness for those suffering from substance use disorder

Symptoms include: 
-Sudden weight loss or gain
-Pupils that are smaller or larger than usual
-bloodshot eyes
-changes in appetite and sleeping patterns
-slurred speech
-impaired coordination or tremors 
-deterioration of the physical appearance or changes in grooming practices
running nose



Substance Use Disorder Symptons 

Occurs after the body has adapted to the drug's presence after a period of time. When the drug is abruptly removed, it can cause a variety of physical symptoms. In some cases, this can be dangerous.

Substance Withdrawal Disorder

- Theories include opponent, inhibitory control, reward deficiency, incentive sensitization, aberrant learning, and anti-reward theory 

Neuroadaptive Theories in Addiction/Craving

A chronic syndrome characterized by anterograde and retrograde amnesia due to alcoholism, along with other cognitive deficits. It is caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1), which damages neurons. It can also involve deficits in executive functioning, apathy, and social impairments. 

Korsakoff's Syndrome

Alcohol abuse is responsible for one in eight deaths among older Americans. It is predicted that there will be an increase in illicit drug use and alcohol abuse among the baby boomer cohort as many have showcased addiction to prescription medication in the past.

Substance Abuse in Geriatric People 

Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C)

Health Psychology research studies relating to Substance Abuse include

- ICU Admissions and Alcohol Misuse
- Factors Associated with AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder)
- Alcohol Use and Gender



Health Psychology Research Relating to Substance Abuse

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are a category of drugs that increase nervous system activity. This group includes cocaine, amphetamines, cathinones, and MDMA, which act as dopamine agonists. Other stimulants like nicotine and caffeine function by affecting acetylcholine and adenosine neurotransmitter systems, respectively.

Central Nervous System Stimulants

In this study, researchers explored the implementation of the online platform VetChange as a way to decrease Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' alcohol use and PTSD symptoms . 

Impact of Web-Based Interventions on Veterans' Alcohol Use & PTSD Symptoms 

Existing pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy and medication development is stagnant for many years now. That being said, the current research in psychedelics has  rekindled some optimism.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment

Of veterans receiving outpatient care at Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, ICU admission within 1 year was 2% for abstinent patients versus 2.5% for severe alcohol misuse. Once discharged from the hospital probability of readmission within one year is 48% for abstinent patients versus 55% for patients with severe alcohol misuse. 

ICU Admissions and Alcohol Misuse

Current research has emphasized the significance of impulsivity in understanding alcohol use and associated issues such as AUD. Impulsivity is a complex concept comprising multiple dimensions, some of which are influenced by biology and genetics.

Behavioral and Biological Indicators of Impulsivity in the
Development of Alcohol Use, Problems, and Disorders

Mental Health issues include: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Alexithymia, and Work Fatigue

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