Addiction Facts
This word describes when a person keeps using a substance even when it causes problems.
What is addiction?
This feel good chemical increases when someone uses drugs or alcohol.
What is dopamine?
Alcohol slows down the brain, making people lose coordination and this ability.
What is clear decision-making
Over time, the brain builds this, meaning someone needs more of a substance to feel the same effect.
what is tolerance
This is when someone keeps using a substance or doing an activity even though it causes harm.
What is addiction?
Addiction is considered this kind of health condition, not just a bad choice.
What is a disease?
This brain system makes you want to repeat something that feels good
What is the reward system?
These kinds of drugs speed up the brain and can cause a rush.
What are stimulants?
Stopping a substance after long-term use can cause these uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms.
What is withdrawal?
Addiction can affect the brain and body because it changes the way this organ works.
What is the brain?
This strong feeling makes someone want to use a drug or drink alcohol again.
What is a craving?
When drugs release too much dopamine, the brain begins to expect this
What is the drug (alcohol) to keep feeling good?
When someone first uses drugs, the strong high comes from overstimulation of this system.
What is the reward system?
Long-term substance use can shrink or damage parts of the brain, affecting memory and learning. This type of change is called what?
What is brain damage
People may start using substances for fun or stress relief, but over time this can happen, making them dependent.
What is tolerance or dependence?
This happens when the body gets used to a substance and needs more to feel the same effects
What is tolerance?
When the brain gets used to high dopamine levels from drugs, normal activities (like eating or hanging out with friends) may feel like this
What is less enjoyable?
Alcohol slows down the brain, making it harder to do this especially in emergencies.
What is react or think quickly?
Addiction can weaken the brain’s ability to control impulses, making it harder to resist cravings. This is an effect on this brain function.
What is self control or decision-making
Even when someone wants to quit, this makes it very hard to stop using the substance.
What is compulsion
People can recover from addiction because the brain can heal and form new connections this ability is called what?
What is neuroplasticity?
Over time, drugs can damage this part of the brain that helps with self-control and decision-making.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Some drugs speed up the body and can make the heart beat too fast — these types of drugs are called what?
What are stimulants?
Long-term substance use can make everyday activities, like hanging out with friends or eating, feel less enjoyable because the brain’s pleasure system is affected
What is the reward system or feeling pleasure
This kind of help, such as therapy or support groups, can improve a person’s chances of overcoming addiction.
What is treatment or recovery?