The Reward Brain
This neurotransmitter is the brain's "reward chemical" and is flooded when using substances.
What is Dopamine
This mindfulness technique involves focusing on 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste.
What is Grounding?
People, places, or things that create a strong urge to return to old habits.
What are Triggers?
This substance is a central nervous system depressant that specifically affects the cerebellum, impacting balance.
What is Alcohol?
This part of the brain is responsible for logical thinking and impulse control; it often "goes offline" during active addiction.
What is Prefrontal Cortex
The act of "playing the tape all the way to the end" to visualize the negative consequences of a slip-up before it happens.
What is Cognitive Rehearsal or Urge Surfing?
What is Exit Statement or Refusal Skill?
These substances mimic natural endorphins and "lock" into receptors, blocking pain signals.
What are Opioids?
The brain's ability to change and heal itself over time by forming new neural pathways.
What is Neuroplasticity?
A specific list of activities--like exercise or calling a friend--is used to physically move through a craving.
What is Distraction List or Urge Surfing?
This "H.A.L.T." acronym refers to the feeling of being disconnected from others, which is a major relapse trigger.
What is Lonely?
Long-term use of this substance can downregulate the body's natural endocannabinoid system.
What is Cannabis?
This term describes the "survival brain" or reward system that becomes hijacked by substance use.
What is the Limbic System?
This cognitive tool involves identifying a negative thought and actively looking for evidence to prove it wrong.
What are Challenging Thoughts or Reframing?
This strategy involves having a "pre-planned escape route" or a designated person to call before attending a high-risk event.
What are Stimulants?
The process in which the brain reduces the number of receptors to handle a chemical surge, requiring more of the substance to feel "normal."
What is Tolerance?
A physiological strategy where you "ride out" a craving like a wave, knowing it will peak and then subside.
What is Urge Surfing?
This term refers to the behavior where an individual prioritizes others' feelings or comfort over their own sobriety.
What is Codependency?
This legal substance is often the most common "cross-addiction" that people use to manage stress in early recovery.
What is Nicotine or Caffeine?