Mental Health Matters
What does “co-occurring disorder” mean?
Co-occurring disorder means having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.
What is the definition of addiction?
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.
Name one grounding technique.
Grounding technique: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise, journaling, box breathing.
What is a trigger?
A trigger is something that causes cravings or emotional distress that can lead to relapse.
Which chemical in the brain is linked to pleasure and reward?
Dopamine is the chemical linked to pleasure and reward.
Name one common symptom of anxiety.
Common symptom of anxiety: excessive worry, restlessness, racing thoughts, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.
True or False: A lapse and a relapse are the same thing.
False. A lapse is a single use or slip; a relapse is a return to old patterns of use.
Give an example of a healthy distraction when cravings hit.
Healthy distraction: listening to music, calling a friend, going for a walk, doing a hobby.
Give an example of an external and internal trigger
External trigger: people, places, objects, events (e.g., bars, old friends who use)
Internal trigger: thoughts, feelings, memories (e.g., stress, boredom, anxiety).
What part of the brain helps with decision-making?
Prefrontal cortex helps with decision-making and impulse control.
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Depression is a clinical condition with persistent low mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms; sadness is a normal emotion that usually passes.
What does “tolerance” mean in substance use?
Tolerance means needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.
What is urge surfing?
Urge Surfing is a mindfulness-based coping skill that involves observing and experiencing an urge without acting on it, similar to riding a wave. It teaches you that urges rise, peak, and eventually fall on their own, helping to create space between the urge and the action.
What is one early warning sign that you might be heading toward a relapse, and why is it important to notice it?
Isolating from support, skipping meetings, increased stress, romanticizing past use. It’s important because catching warning signs early allows you to use coping strategies before a full relapse occurs.
How do substances affect the brain’s reward system?
Substances overstimulate the brain’s reward system, flooding it with dopamine and reducing natural reward sensitivity.
Name two healthy coping strategies for managing stress.
Healthy coping strategies: deep breathing, journaling, exercise, talking to a support person, grounding techniques.
Name one or more risk factor for developing addiction.
Risk factors: genetics, trauma history, mental health disorders, environment, early substance use.
What does HALT stand for in recovery?
HALT = Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired (check these before acting impulsively).
Why is identifying high-risk situations important in recovery, and what is one example of a high-risk situation?
Identifying high-risk situations helps prevent relapse by allowing proactive planning. Example: attending a party where substances are present.
Name one way the brain begins to heal in recovery.
Brain healing in recovery: neuroplasticity improves, dopamine levels stabilize, decision-making and impulse control strengthen over time.
How does chronic stress impact both mental health and substance use recovery, and what is one evidence-based strategy to counteract these effects?
Chronic stress can worsen anxiety and depression, increase cravings, and impair decision-making by over activating the stress response system.
One evidence-based strategy: regular physical activity, mindfulness-based stress reduction, or cognitive-behavioral techniques.
What is the difference between physical dependence and psychological dependence?
Physical dependence = body adapts to substance, withdrawal occurs if stopped; psychological dependence = craving and emotional reliance.
What is the difference between a coping skill and an avoidance strategy, and why does it matter in recovery?
A coping skill helps you manage emotions or stress in a healthy way (e.g., grounding, exercise, talking to support). An avoidance strategy temporarily distracts or numbs feelings without addressing them (e.g., isolating, binge-watching). It matters because avoidance can lead to relapse, while coping skills build resilience.
What is one strategy for managing unexpected triggers in the moment, and why does it work?
Using the “STOP” skill (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed mindfully) works because it creates space between the trigger and your response, reducing impulsive behavior.
What is neuroplasticity, and why is it important in addiction recovery?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. It’s important because it allows the brain to heal and adapt, supporting new habits and coping skills during recovery.