Addiction & Brain
This neurotransmitter is often called the “feel-good” chemical because it plays a significant role in pleasure and reward pathways in the brain. What is it called?
Dopamine
This type of substance causes: euphoria, rapid heartbeat, reduced appetite, and dehydration.
Stimulants (amphetamines, caffeine, cocaine, tobacco) Can also cause: increase confidence, arousal, mood swings, irritability, anxiety)
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, what is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States?
Marijuana
This mental health disorder is often co-occurring with substance abuse and is characterized by excessive feelings of sadness and hopelessness. d?
Depression
Talking, Listening, Sharing, Expressing
Communication
Which brain structure is heavily involved in decision-making and impulse control, and its impairment can contribute to addictive behavior?
The prefrontal cortex
Which psychological effect is often seen in individuals with addiction, where they continue the addictive behavior despite negative consequences?
Denial
What percentage of individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction are also affected by another mental health disorder?
Around 37%
eople with this anxiety disorder often experience panic attacks, which may lead them to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. This treatment method combines therapy and medication to help individuals manage opioid addiction, aiming to reduce cravings and avoid relapse. What is this approach called?
Panic disorder
something to recognize and then avoid when you are in addiction or mental health recovery
Trigger
This system is activated when we do something that gives a joy or high, such as using drugs or even watching a favorite movie.
The “reward” system is part of the limbic system, which gets activated when you do something you like. Dopamine is a brain chemical that is released in this system, producing feelings of pleasure and letting you know that something important is happening.
Long-term drug abuse can lead to a decrease in what important brain function, often causing problems with memory and learning?
Cognitive function
As of 2021, approximately how many people in the United States have struggled with a substance use disorder?
20 million
This mental health condition involves an overwhelming compulsion to engage in certain behaviors, such as gambling or shopping, which can be addictive.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Relaxation, walking, healthy eating, proper sleep, setting aside “me” time, taking breaks, rewarding yourself
Self Care
This condition, often linked to addiction, is characterized by the inability to feel pleasure or interest in activities that were once enjoyable. What is it called?
Anhedonia
What term refers to the brain’s reduced response to a drug over time, often leading to increased usage and a higher tolerance?
Tolerance
Every year, about 1 in 10 people in the U.S. suffer from a substance use disorder, but only about __ in __ of them receive treatment.
1 in 5
This is a co-occurring disorder that involves the use of substances to manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) with PTSD
In this stage of recovery, psychological and emotional aspects of withdrawal become intensified, as the brain recalibrates after active addiction.
post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
In addiction, what process occurs when the brain becomes reliant on a substance to function normally, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms?
Neuroadaptation: The brain may create new synapses or strengthen existing ones, modifying the way neurons communicate with each other.
This family of substances can lead to: hallucinations, bladder damage, numbness
Dissociatives (Nitrous Oxide, Ketamine, MXE, DXM)
What is the estimated global economic cost of alcohol misuse, considering healthcare, lost productivity, and crime?
Over $1 trillion annually
This mental health disorder, often diagnosed alongside addiction, involves distorted thinking, delusions, and hallucinations.
Schizophrenia
This term refers to a a feeling of contentment with your progress, which can lead to a false sense of security and relapse.
Complacency (overly confident, isolating, not addressing stress)