Neurotransmitters: Roles & Functions
This neurotransmitter is often called the “feel good” chemical associated with reward and motivation.
What is dopamine?
Step One admits powerlessness over alcohol and this.
What is unmanageability?
Having a family member with addiction increases this kind of risk.
What is genetic risk?
This disorder, often characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness, is one of the most common co-occurring disorders with addiction.
What is major depressive disorder?
The principle of Step Five aligns with which AA saying about connection and honesty?
What is “We’re only as sick as our secrets.”
Chronic substance use can deplete this neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation and well-being.
What is serotonin?
The principle of Step One is honesty. According to the Big Book, what chapter explains the progression of addiction and the “mental obsession” that keeps alcoholics drinking?
What is “The Doctor’s Opinion” or “More About Alcoholism”?
Using substances at a young age increases the likelihood of this.
What is addiction or Emotional stunting
People with PTSD may use substances as a form of this type of coping mechanism.
What is self-medication?
The principle of Step Two, hope, is reinforced by the Big Book story section that shows people of all backgrounds recovering through what?
What is a spiritual awakening or psychic change?
Alcohol enhances the effects of this inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to relaxation.
What is GABA?
Step Two’s principle is hope. In We Agnostics, what phrase describes the transformation from disbelief to faith?
What is “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity”?
Individuals with both substance use and untreated trauma are at greater risk of relapse due to this physiological state of hypervigilance.
What is chronic fight-or-flight activation or nervous system dysregulation?
This disorder involves cycles of mania and depression that can lead to impulsive behaviors and relapse risk.
What is bipolar disorder?
The principle of Step Twelve is tied to the Big Book’s Chapter 7, “Working with Others.” What is the main message of this chapter?
What is to carry the message and practice these principles in all our affairs?
This neurotransmitter is tied to energy, alertness, and focus; it’s often dysregulated in stimulant addiction.
What is norepinephrine?
Step Three is often summarized by the saying: “Let go and let God.” Which Big Book chapter outlines the decision to turn our will and life over to God?
What is “How It Works” or “Into Action”?
This cognitive distortion, often seen before relapse, leads clients to believe that “just one drink” won’t hurt.
What is denial or euphoric recall?
The use of stimulants such as methamphetamine can mimic or worsen symptoms of this severe mental illness.
What is schizophrenia or psychosis?
Step Five — admitting to God, ourselves, and another human being — helps break this destructive cycle.
What is shame, isolation, and self-deception?
The brain’s reward system primarily involves which brain structure that releases dopamine during substance use?
Answer Choices: Amygdala, Medial Frontal Cortex, Nucleus Accumbens, Hypothalamus
What is the nucleus accumbens?
The principle of Step Four is courage. According to the Big Book, resentments are called the “number one offender.” In which part of the book is the resentment inventory outlined?
What is page 64–67 of the Big Book (“How It Works”)?
True or False: Protective factors such as spirituality, purpose, and accountability fully eliminate relapse risk.
What is False — they reduce but do not eliminate risk; vigilance and maintenance are still required.
Individuals with trauma histories often experience this symptom, making it difficult to trust treatment staff or peers.
What is hypervigilance or mistrust?
In Step Four, making a “searching and fearless moral inventory” is intended to reveal these three types of destructive patterns.
What are resentments, fears, and harms to others (or selfishness, dishonesty, and self-seeking)?