True That… or Nah?
True or False: Addiction changes brain structure and function
What is TRUE
Repeated use of addictive substances "hijacks" the brain's reward system, causing it to rewire its neural pathways to prioritize the addictive substance. Research indicates that the brain has the capacity to recover or "reorganize" after prolonged abstinence.
This brain chemical is linked to pleasure and reward
What is DOPAMINE
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between nerve cells. It helps facilitate what we understand as motivation, pleasure, movement, memory, and how people experience reward.
Addiction floods the brain with dopamine. Over time, the brain responds by producing less of it naturally and becoming less sensitive to it. Once a person stops using, their dopamine system needs time to rebalance. That period of low dopamine is one reason recovery can feel emotionally flat or difficult at first.
True or False: Recovery requires perfection.
What is FALSE
Name one healthy coping skill
What could be CALLING SOMEONE, WALKING, JOURNALING, PRAYING, EXERCISING, MINDFULNESS EXERCISE, MEDITATION, etc.
True or False: Your thoughts influence your feelings.
What is TRUE
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 101: Thoughts - Feelings - Behaviors
True or False: Addiction is considered a chronic disease.
What is TRUE
Addiction is formally recognized by medical experts as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. It is considered a disease because it changes the brain's structure and function, leading to compulsive behaviors despite harmful consequences, similar to chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. It is not a moral failing or lack of willpower.
This hormone helps regulate sleep cycles
What is MELATONIN
Melatonin works as your body's "dark signal," a hormone that rises at night to regulate your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm), signaling it's time to prepare for sleep by slowing down body functions like temperature and blood pressure, making you feel drowsy and less alert.
Name one thing sponsorship provide in recovery
What is GUIDANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, SUPPORT, etc.
Name one benefit of journaling
What is EMOTIONAL AWARENESS, CLARITY, STRESS RELIEF, etc.
This body system is activated during fight-or-flight
What is the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the primary body system activated during both fight-or-flight and addiction. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to confront or escape danger by increasing heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension, while slowing digestion. Substances or behavioral addictions can cause the SNS to remain stuck in a high-alert mode, leading to long-term issues like anxiety, insomnia, and relapse.
True or False: Isolation can increase relapse risk
What is TRUE
Social isolation is a major, recognized trigger for relapse in addiction recovery. It removes necessary support systems, increases stress, boredom, and feelings of depression or shame, which can drive individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism
This brain chemical is associated with bonding and connection
What is OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," is the primary brain chemical associated with social bonding, trust, and connection. Released during physical touch, nurturing behaviors, it fosters pair-bonding and social interaction.
Name one benefit of routine in recovery
What could be STABILITY, PREDICTABILITY, REDUCED STRESS, BETTER HABITS, etc.
This trait helps rebuild trust — consistency or promises
What is CONSISTENCY
Rebuilding trust requires consistent actions over time, rather than mere promises, which are often empty without follow-through. Consistency (aligning words with actions) proves reliability and builds security, whereas promises only create temporary hope. Trust is earned through small, repeated, and dependable behaviors that demonstrate genuine change
True or False: Cravings last forever once they start
What is FALSE False (They peak and pass)
Cravings are temporary, time-limited, and peak like a wave before subsiding. While intense, individual cravings usually last between 10 to 30 minutes, though they may feel longer. They generally decrease in frequency and intensity over time as brain chemistry stabilizes.
True or False: Relapse usually starts emotionally before physically
What is TRUE
Relapse is a process that typically begins with emotional and mental shifts—such as isolation, poor self-care, and increased stress—long before the actual physical act of using substances occurs. This "emotional relapse" stage involves returning to unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors, making it the first of three stages (emotional, mental, and physical)
This stress hormone is released during high stress
What is CORTISOL
Cortisol supports your fight-or-flight response by providing the energy and alertness needed during stressful situations. High cortisol levels can increase vulnerability to substance use through several mechanisms that create a perfect storm for addiction development. Chronic stress impairs the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for executive functions like decision-making and impulse control, making it much harder to resist the immediate gratification that substances seem to offer.
Name a sign of emotional relapse
What could be ISOLATION, IRRITABILITY, SKIPPING MEETING, POOR SLEEP, etc.
Name one grounding technique
What could be DEEP BREATHING, 5-4-3-2-1 TECHNIQUE, PRAYER, MINDFULNESS
Name one healthy way to boost dopamine.
What could be EXERCISE, CONNECTION, MUSIC, SUNLIGHT, ACCOMPLISHING GOALS, etc.
True or False: Asking for help is a weakness
What is FALSE
In fact, it is the exact opposite, it is a sign of strength and courage.
Reaching out demonstrates a willingness to grow and a commitment to personal development.It acts as a turning point in addiction recovery, breaking cycles of isolation. Recovery requires overcoming the misconception that one must handle everything alone, as seeking help is a necessary, proactive tool.
This area of the brain becomes stronger with healthy habits
What is PREFRONTAL CORTEX (self-control center)
Name a protective factors against relapse
What could be CONNECTION, ACCOUNTABILITY, ROUTINE, PURPOSE, and SUPPORT SYSTEM, etc.
The “one day at a time” mindset encourages?
What is FOCUS ON TODAY, NOT FOREVER -(Focusing on what’s immediately in your control, and not getting paralyzed by thinking about the “forever” ahead)
Name one thing recovery gives that addiction takes away
What COULD be FREEDOM, CLARITY, RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-RESPECT, HEALTH, etc.