Addiction and the Brain
The checmical in the brain that elicites pleasure.
Dopamine
short term effects: slurred speech, clumsiness, loss of consciousness, poor balance.
Long term effects: high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, acid reflux, peptic ulcers.
Alcohol
Explain HALT
Hungry, Angy, Lonley, Tired.
taking care of your physical, emotionsl and mental needs
self care
In 12-step programs, this experienced mentor guides a newcomer through the steps and offers peer support.
Sponsor
Responsible for survival. Sometimes called, "the animalistic" part of the brain.
Mid brain
Short term: anxiety, changes in mood or mental state such as euphoria, poor sence of time, dryness of mouth, eye irritation and redness.
long term: lowered IQ, breathing problems, nausea, vomitting
Cannabis
Feelings or emotions that cause you to think about using
Internal triggers
Speaking out loud, encouraging statements about yourself
positive affirmations
This famous recovery prayer asks for acceptance of things we cannot change, courage to change what we can, and wisdom to know the difference.
Serenity prayer
This region of the brain is responsible for complex reasoning and executive functioning.
Pre-frontal Cortex
short term: increased heart rate, dilated pupils, weight loss, confusion, jerky movements.
Long term: tooth decay, gum disease, heart problems, problems with mental functioning
Stimulants
Explain external triggers
People, places, things and situations that lead someone to think about using.
having an attitude of thankfulness
gratitude
Known as PAWS, these lingering psychological and mood symptoms can last for months after acute withdrawal ends.
Post acute withdrawl syndrom
short term: euphoria, feeling numb, slowed thinking and movement, potential death.
Long term: digestive issues, memory problems, physical withdrawl
opioids
A powerful desire to use substances
Craving
Visualizing a craving like an ocean wave—watching it rise, crest, and subside without acting on it—is known as this technique.
Urg surfing
Founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, this fellowship pioneered the 12-step model of addiction recovery.
Alcoholics anonymous
Needing increasingly larger amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect is known as building this.
tolerance
short term: increased heart rate, sweating, feeling detached from surroundings, anxiety, panic, intense thoughts and feelings
long term: memory loss, speech problems, depression, psychosis
Hallucinogens
refusal to admit the truth about addiction and its consequences to ourselves
denial
Practicing this skill means intentionally paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
Mindfulness
Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous asks members to admit they are powerless over alcohol and that their lives have become this.
unmanageability