Holiday Cravings and the Brain
What brain chemical linked to pleasure is often triggered by holiday memories connected to substance use?
Dopamine
What grounding technique uses the five sense to mange holiday stress?
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
What warning sign often appears first when someone starts struggling during the holiday season?
Changes in thoughts, behaviors, mood
What winter activity can naturally boost mood and reduce holiday stress?
Physical movement/exercise
In The Elf, what animal does Buddy try to hug?
A Racoon
True or false - Individuals experience increased cravings during the holiday season
True
What recovery skill involves say "no" to extra holiday commitments to protect sobriety?
Boundaries
Why is unstructed time during holiday breaks a risk factor in recovery?
Less routine and accountability
How can someone in recovery stays connected during the holidays?
In A Christmas Story, what gift does Ralphie desperately want?
Ralphie Parker wants a Red Ryder BB gun
Opioid addiction has extremely high relapse rates of ___%
80-90%
What technique activates your body's relaxation response, lowering heart rate and stress during the holidays?
Deep Breathing/Mindfullness
What recovery tool helps plan for parties, family, gatherings, and travel triggers?
A Relapse Prevention Plan
What sense of meaning grow's when someone volunteers during the holiday season?
Purpose
The main character in The Polar Express can't hear... what?
Santa's sleigh bells
How long does it take for cravings to pass?
3-5 minutes
A simple technique to calm your mind and body by creating equal-length stages, typically in four counts
Box Breathing
What protective habits help maintain stability during holiday schedule changes?
Routine
What emotion often replaces shame when someone is honest about holiday struggles in recovery?
Relief
Who voices Scrooge in the 2009 A Christmas Carol?
Jim Carey
What part of the brain struggles with impulse control when holiday stress is high?
Prefrontal cortex
What thinking skills challenges thought like "I won't survive the holiday sober?"
Cognitive Restructuring
What is the benefit of identifying personal holiday triggers before the season begings?
Early intervention and prevention
What long-term recovery benefit comes from creating sober holidays and traditions?
Confidence and stability
How many sizes does the Grinch's heart grow when he starts to get feelings?
Three