The Science of Addiction and How to Use It for Prevention

Awkward Conversations

In this episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy delve into the science of substance use disorders with Captain Christopher Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at SAMHSA. CAPT Jones provides expert insights on how addiction impacts the brain, uncovering key risk factors and preventive strategies that empower parents to help their children make healthier choices. By understanding the medical aspects of addiction, this episode equips parents with tools to recognize early warning signs, reduce stigma, and support their children’s mental and emotional well-being.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding substance use disorder as a medical condition and its effects on the brain

• Key risk factors, including genetics, environment, and mental health conditions

• Recognizing early warning signs of substance misuse in youth

• Effective prevention strategies, including resources from SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign

• Supporting children’s mental well-being to reduce risk factors

Guest Bio: Christopher M. Jones, Pharm.D., Dr.P.H., M.P.H. (CAPT U.S. Public Health Service), serves as the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) at SAMHSA. With over a decade of experience in leading substance use, mental health, and injury prevention efforts, CAPT Jones previously served as Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC. His career has been dedicated to advancing public health and preventing issues like drug overdose, suicide, and adverse childhood experiences. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-jones-cdc/

Host Bios: Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine, specializing in adolescent substance use. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/

Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

The DEA: Established in 1973, the DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9

Resources/Links: SAMHSA Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJCGet Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vYDEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7UjElks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79ZdtSAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Definition: https://www.psychiatry.org/file%20library/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/apa_dsm-5-substance-use-disorder.pdf

Captain Jones Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhsa X (Twitter): https://x.com/samhsagovInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhsagov/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/samhsa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/substance-abuse-and-mental-health-services-administration/

Jodie Sweetin’s Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en

Amy McCarthy’s Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine

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