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?
This stage includes thinking about using, bargaining, or fantasizing about substances.
What is mental relapse?
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?
Name one risk factor that increases likelihood of addiction.
What is PTSD/ trauma / ACEs / genetics / environment?
All individuals who struggle with addiction have a mental illness.
What is a Myth?
Name one common risk factor for developing a substance use disorder.
What is trauma / genetics / environment / peer influence / mental health issues?
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 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?
Name one healthy way to cope with cravings?
What is call someone / distraction / exercise / journaling or MAT treatment?
This is when you feel two ways about quitting substances.
What is ambivalence?
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?
This happens when someone uses substances to cope with PTSD and emotional pain instead of addressing it.
What is self-medication?
This is the first step in many recovery programs, acknowledging the problem of addiction.
What is admitting powerlessness over addiction?
True or False — Trauma must be extreme or life-threatening to impact addiction risk.
What is False?
👉 Even emotional neglect or chronic stress can increase risk.