BRAIN & DOPAMINE
This brain chemical is heavily affected by addiction and is responsible for pleasure and reward.
What is dopamine?
What does PAWS stand for?
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
This well known inventor was addicted to Vin Mariani, which is wine infused with cocaine. He was also dyslexic.
Who is Thomas Edison
This electrolyte helps regulate fluid balance.
What is sodium?
Writing thoughts and feelings on paper is called this coping skill.
What is journaling?
This part of the brain helps with decision-making and impulse control.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Name one common PAWS symptom.
Anxiety, sleep issues, cravings, brain fog, mood swings, etc.
Records show that this "Oliver Twist" author who died of a stroke in 1870 was addicted to opium.
Who is Charles Dickens
Low levels of this electrolyte can cause muscle weakness and heart palpitations.
What is potassium?
Taking slow, controlled breaths can help reduce this.
What is anxiety?
In early recovery, many people experience a decreased ability to enjoy normal activities due to low dopamine.
What is anhedonia?
True or False: PAWS means treatment is not working.
False
This Pop Music Icon and legend was a user of cocaine, Weed, and Alcohol to manage the complex emotions associated with being simultaneously intensely shy and a music superstar. He is also well known for his glasses he wears
Elton John
This electrolyte deficiency is often associated with anxiety, insomnia, and muscle twitching.
What is magnesium?
Name one healthy coping skill for stress.
Exercise, meditation, meetings, music, walking, etc.
Name one healthy activity that naturally increases dopamine
Exercise, music, hobbies, social connection, helping others, etc.
PAWS symptoms often come and go in these patterns.
What are waves?
Eminem
Name one reason hydration is important during recovery.
Supports healing, improves energy, helps brain function, prevents dehydration.
This recovery principle means being truthful with yourself and others.
What is honesty?
True or False: Dopamine recovery can take several months.
TRUE
Name three things that can help reduce PAWS symptoms.
Sleep, nutrition, exercise, hydration, support meetings, coping skills.
The most famous and successful horror author in history has been in recovery for 33 years
Stephen King
Name three foods high in potassium.
Bananas, potatoes, avocados, oranges, spinach.
Name three healthy ways to boost dopamine.
Exercise, music, hobbies, social connection, helping others, etc.