The Science of Addiction
This brain chemical makes you feel pleasure and is affected by addictive substances.
What is dopamine?
These are people, places, or things that can lead to thoughts about using substances.
What are triggers?
Addiction is considered a disease because it affects this organ, changing its structure and function over time.
What is the brain?
Dr. Labor emphasizes the importance of this in changing the perception of drugs as necessary for survival.
What is education?
You must hit rock bottom before seeking help for addiction.
What is a Myth?
This part of the brain, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is weakened by addiction.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This emotional state, such as stress or sadness, often increases the risk of cravings.
What are negative emotions?
This chronic disease is characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences.
What is addiction?
Dr. Labor suggests this type of therapy as one way to strengthen the frontal cortex and aid in addiction recovery.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
All individuals who struggle with addiction have a mental illness.
What is a Myth?
This brain region, known as the "reward center," is activated by drugs and makes addiction so powerful.
What is the limbic system?
This technique involves avoiding high-risk situations to prevent triggers and cravings.
What is avoidance?
Addiction is recognized as a disease because it involves this cycle of binge, withdrawal, and craving.
What is the addiction cycle?
This type of support group is recommended by Dr. Labor to help individuals in recovery.
What is a 12-step program?
Once someone completes a treatment program, they no longer need any support.
What is a Myth?
This process happens in the brain when repeated substance use makes it less responsive to the drug, leading to the need for more to feel the same effect.
What is tolerance?
This strategy involves using deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce the intensity of cravings.
What is grounding?
The disease model of addiction emphasizes that addiction is not a moral failing but instead this type of condition.
What is a medical condition?
This principle emphasizes the importance of a supportive community in the recovery process.
What is social support?
Recovery involves making lifestyle changes and developing new coping strategies.
What is a Fact?
This phenomenon occurs when the brain prioritizes seeking drugs over natural rewards, even when it causes harm.
What is craving?
This is a plan to identify triggers and use coping skills to stay sober.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
According to Dr. Labor, these two factors can trigger the addiction process and lead to relapse.
What are stress and trauma?
This is the first step in many recovery programs, acknowledging the problem of addiction.
What is admitting powerlessness over addiction?
Only people who use illegal drugs can become addicted.
What is a Myth?