BRAIN!!
This neurotransmitter surges in the brain’s reward pathway when addictive substances are used, reinforcing the behavior.
Dopamine!
This phenomenon occurs when stopping drug use leads to physical and psychological symptoms.
Withdrawal......sucks
In recovery programs, this "plan" refers to avoiding triggers and high-risk situations that could lead to substance use.
Relapse Prevention!
This grounding technique encourages naming 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique!
This rapper released Recovery, an album detailing the depths of his addiction to prescription drugs. He also stared in the movie: 8-Mile
Eminem!
This process describes the brain’s reduced response to a drug after repeated use, leading users to need more for the same effect.
Tolerance!
This phenomenon occurs when environmental cues trigger intense desire for a drug, even after long periods of abstinence.
Cravings -_-
This acronym HALT reminds people in recovery to be mindful of these four states that can increase relapse risk.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired
Name one way to cope with someone offering you a substance to use.
Walk away, be assertive, lying, call for help, etc.
This "Harry Potter" star says he drank a lot during filming of the last three Potter films, and finally realized it was something he couldn’t control. He says he quit after the last film wrapped and continues to work on his recovery today.
Daniel Radcliff!
Chronic drug use can weaken this part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgment.
Prefrontal Cortex!
The brain's ability to strengthen new pathways in the brain, leading to new behavioral habits being formed
Neuroplasticity!
This type of support involves individuals with lived experience of addiction helping others through recovery.
Peer Support
These coping skills are often involved in meditation and yoga.
HINT: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ness
Mindfulness!
This star actor, famous for leading roles in films such as a Star is Born, and The Hangover is 12 years sober from an addiction to painkillers and alcohol
Bradley Cooper!
Prolonged substance use can over-activate this region of the brain, responsible for emotional regulation and our flight or fight response.
Amygdala! (More like Amygda-DUH amiright?)
When using progresses from impulsive, and we continue using despite experiencing negative consequences.
Compulsive!
How do you know what your triggers are?
talk therapy, journaling, speaking with trusted supports, meditation, etc.
This coping skill involves intentionally shifting focus away from cravings by engaging in another activity.
Distraction!
This "Batman" and "Good Will Hunting" star has struggled with drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions.
Ben Affleck!
has been quoted saying that he owes his success to beating his drug use, gambling, and alcohol addiction. After years of sobriety and a divorce, Affleck went back to rehab. He has been open about the issues he faces on the road to recovery.
The human brain contains approximately 86 billion of these, which are responsible for transmitting chemical signals and information.
Neurons!
Long-term drug use can reduce sensitivity to natural rewards, a condition sometimes called this.
Anhedonia!
involves conscious participation in activities that promote healthy functioning and enhance a person's well-being and quality of life.
(2 words)
Self-Care!
You are 4 weeks sober and have been attending an outpatient recovery group 3 nights a week. You experience a night of binge using. When you wake up the following morning, what steps should you take?
Call counselor, express honesty, explain how use happened, revise recovery plan, etc.
This actress, who hails from Hollywood royalty, experienced the pressures of Hollywood firsthand, leading her to experience alcohol addiction by the age of 11 and cocaine addiction by 12. She has stared in "E.T." "Scream" and "50 First Dates"
Drew Barrymore!
Drew’s story is not one of defeat but resilience. Relapse, though difficult, is a chapter many face in their recovery journey. It’s not an indication of failure but a reminder that recovery is a continuous process. Drew’s journey teaches us the importance of seeing relapses not as reasons for shame or judgment but as moments that can be overcome with the right tools and resources. Now, having journeyed through the highs and lows, Barrymore stands strong.