Lesson 43: Substance Use Disorders – Drug (e.g., narcotics, tranquilizers) Dependence (Lessons 1541–1560) · Course Catalog
Symptom characteristics:
Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by the continued use of psychoactive substances, leading to impaired control, tolerance and withdrawal, intense cravings, and decreased functioning in areas such as learning, work, and relationships, accompanied by overdose and legal/occupational risks.
Course Objectives:
Under the premise of safety, a comprehensive approach is adopted, which includes "medical detoxification, motivation enhancement, behavioral strategies, medication maintenance/assistance, harm reduction, family and peer support, relapse prevention, and long-term follow-up," to reduce risks, restore function, and rebuild life.
- Understanding the spectrum and core characteristics of SUD: impaired control, tolerance, withdrawal, craving, and functional impairment.
- Identify typical behaviors and physiological cues to establish a baseline for intervention.
- The interaction of genetic susceptibility, stress and trauma, and peer and environmental reinforcement.
- The severity is assessed by combining structured items and functional dimensions.
- Phased approach: Stabilize vital signs — Consolidate motivation — Rebuild function.
- High-risk symptoms, complications, and indications for hospitalization/outpatient services.
- Time window management from trigger to peak: Delay, substitution, transfer, and grounding exercises.
- Draw a personal "trigger-thought-response" map and design blocking points.
- Promote internal change through empathy, adapting to changing circumstances, and exploring gaps.
- The routine implementation of recording, restructuring, substitution, and reward programs.
- Indications, contraindications, and compliance strategies, combined with psychological intervention.
- Cross-calculation, slow reduction and epilepsy risk management.
- It is based on behavioral therapy, reward management, and social support.
- Carry naloxone, peer education, and information on safe medication use.
- Parallel assessment and collaborative referral, with priority given to ensuring safety.
- Clearly define the legal consequences and occupational risks, and develop alternative solutions.
- Protect development and chronic disease stability, and strengthen family and school collaboration.
- Turn criticism into support and establish boundaries for things like money and housing.
- Treat relapse as a process event and quickly get back on track to recovery.
- Phase goals + scale review + social connections to consolidate recovery.
- “"Traditional free mandala" is the most open form of creation, without presupposing structure, theme or symbolism, emphasizing lines and colors that flow naturally from within.
- Please complete the course evaluation to review your learning and provide suggestions. This will help you deepen your understanding and help us improve the course.
Note: This content is for self-understanding and training purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and emergency treatment. If red flag symptoms or significant functional impairment occur, please seek medical attention in person immediately and follow professional advice.

