Body & Brain
This organ does most of the work of breaking down alcohol in the body.
What is the liver?
Fun fact: The liver performs hundreds of functions, so recovery involves more than simply “getting substances out” of the body.
Naloxone is used to temporarily reverse an overdose caused by this type of substance.
What are opioids?
Fun fact: Naloxone works by blocking opioid receptors and has little to no effect when opioids are not present.
Myth or fact: Cravings can occur even when a person genuinely wants recovery.
What is a fact?
Fun fact: A craving is an experience, not a command. Having one does not erase a person’s motivation or progress.
People, places, thoughts, emotions, or situations that increase the desire to use are commonly called these.
What are triggers?
You notice that your symptoms are suddenly getting worse. What is your best move while in detox?
What is tell staff immediately?
This brain chemical is connected to motivation, reward, learning, and reinforcement.
What is dopamine?
Fun fact: Dopamine is not simply the “pleasure chemical.” It also helps the brain remember which experiences are important enough to repeat.
This legal substance is a depressant, even though it may initially make someone feel more social or energetic.
What is alcohol?
Fun fact: “Depressant” refers to effects on the central nervous system, not necessarily to whether a person initially feels sad or sleepy.
Myth or fact: Willpower is the only thing needed for long-term recovery.
What is a myth?
Fun fact: Recovery may involve treatment, medication, coping skills, supportive relationships, housing, healthcare, structure, and meaningful activities.
In the recovery acronym HALT, the letters stand for these four conditions.
What are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired?
Fun fact: HALT is a quick self-check, not a diagnosis. It reminds a person to look for basic needs that may be making a difficult moment harder.
Someone offers you one of their medications because it helped them. What is your best move?
What is decline it and speak with staff about your symptoms?
Fun fact: Similar symptoms do not mean two people need the same medication or dose.
Needing more of a substance to experience an effect similar to the one previously experienced is called this.
What is tolerance?
Tolerance and withdrawal are possible features of physical dependence, but they do not tell the entire story of a substance use disorder. Patterns of control, consequences, and continued use are also important.
Cocaine and methamphetamine belong to this broad drug category.
What are stimulants?
Fun fact: Stimulant withdrawal may involve fatigue, increased sleep, low mood, irritability, and strong cravings.
Myth or fact: A person can have physical dependence on a medication without meeting the full criteria for a substance use disorder.
What is a fact?
Fun fact: Physical dependence refers to adaptation of the body, while a substance use disorder involves a broader pattern of symptoms and harmful consequences.
This term describes learning to notice a craving, observe it rise and fall, and avoid automatically acting on it.
What is urge surfing?
Fun fact: The goal is not to argue with the urge. It is to experience it safely while choosing not to act on it.
You are experiencing a strong craving and begin thinking, “I need to fix this feeling right now.” Name two helpful actions.
What are delay the decision and talk to someone?
Also accept: Leave the triggering situation, use grounding, walk, attend a group, contact a support person, or remind yourself of likely consequences.
Shaking, sweating, nausea, sleep problems, anxiety, and irritability may all fall under this general term.
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Symptoms differ by substance and person. Clients should report new, worsening, or concerning symptoms to staff.
Xanax, Valium, and Ativan belong to this medication class.
What are benzodiazepines?
Fun fact: Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system and may be prescribed for conditions such as anxiety or seizures.
Myth or fact: If naloxone wakes someone up, there is no longer any reason to contact emergency services.
What is a myth?
Fun fact: Naloxone does not replace emergency medical care. Its effect can wear off while opioids remain active, and additional help may be required.
Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance are commonly known as this model.
What are the stages of change?
Fun fact: Motivation can shift. Someone may be ready to change one behavior while feeling uncertain about another.
A person is difficult to wake, has very slow or absent breathing, and may have used opioids. Name the two immediate priorities.
What are contact emergency services and give naloxone if available?
True or false: The substance that leaves the body fastest always produces the shortest withdrawal experience.
What is false?
Physical elimination and the complete withdrawal experience are not the same thing. Sleep, mood, energy, concentration, and cravings may take additional time to improve.
Methadone and buprenorphine are evidence-based medications used to treat this condition.
What is opioid use disorder?
Fun fact: These medications can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping people remain engaged in recovery. Taking recovery medication as prescribed is treatment, not “cheating.”
Myth or fact: Returning to an amount of opioids previously used can be especially dangerous after detox or a period of abstinence.
What is a fact?
Fun fact: Tolerance may decrease during a period without opioids. That can make an amount previously tolerated more likely to cause an overdose.
This principle means that a return to use does not erase everything a person learned or accomplished, but it does signal that the recovery plan needs attention.
What is recovery is a process, not an all-or-nothing event?
You are being discharged tomorrow and feel confident right now. Name four things that should still be included in your recovery plan.
What are follow-up treatment, supportive contacts, transportation, and an overdose or crisis safety plan?