Addiction & The Brain
a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.
What is Addiction!
the stage at which an individual consumes an intoxicating substance and experiences its rewarding or pleasurable effects;
What is Binge/Intoxication
This model includes five stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance, to describe the process individuals go through when making significant changes in behavior.
What are the Stages of Change
In this type of relationship, one partner may use tactics like manipulation, control, or intimidation, often undermining the other person's sense of self-worth and autonomy.
What is an abusive relationship?
This stress-management technique involves focusing on the present moment, often through mindfulness exercises or deep breathing, to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
What is meditation or mindfulness?
a collection of interacting clusters of cell bodies that are involved in reward, emotional, and motor circuits.
What is the Basal Ganglia!
The stage at which an individual experiences a negative emotional state in the absence of the substance; and
What is the Withdrawal/Negative Affect Stage
This person has been smoking for years and doesn't see a need to quit, believing that their smoking habit isn’t harmful or doesn't need to change, despite health warnings.
What is the Precontemplative Stage of Change?
This essential component of relationships is built over time through consistency, honesty, and reliability, allowing individuals to feel safe and supported.
What is Trust!
Regular physical activity, such as exercise, and this practice, which involves accomplishing small goals, are two healthy ways to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
What is setting and achieving goals?
Exercise and accomplishing meaningful goals both stimulate the release of dopamine, which can improve mood and motivation.
Plays a role in stressful feelings [anxiety, irritability, and unease]
What is the Extended Amygdala!
The stage at which one seeks substances again after a period of abstinence.
What is the Preoccupation/Anticipation Stage!
This stage of the Transtheoretical Model is characterized by an individual actively implementing strategies to change their behavior and sustain these changes for a period of time, typically between one day and six months.
What is the Action Stage of Change?
This key element of communication involves not just hearing the words, but fully understanding the message by paying attention, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback.
What is active listening!
This well-known support group follows a 12-step program and offers peer support for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction, with a focus on shared experiences and accountability.
What is AA?
Powers the ability to think, plan, solve problems, make decisions, and exert self-control over impulses. This is also the last part of the brain mature, making teens most vulnerable.
What is the Prefrontal Cortex!
Known as the feel-good neurotransmitter
What is Dopamine
This person has decided to quit smoking, has set a quit date, and is now gathering resources like nicotine patches and support groups to help with the process.
Who is someone in the preparation stage of change?
This form of emotional manipulation involves making someone question their own perception, memory, or reality, often through denying facts or providing false information.
What is Gaslighting
This support group, founded in 1953, provides a 12-step program for individuals battling drug addiction and is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, but specifically tailored for narcotic substances.
What is NA?
These are the brain's natural painkillers and mood regulators, often released in response to pleasurable activities like eating, exercise, or sexual activity.
What are Endorphins!
This neurotransmitter regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
What is Serotonin!
In this stage of change, an individual is not yet considering change and may not recognize the need for it, often rationalizing their behavior. This is typically the first stage in the process of change.
What is the precontemplation stage of change!
A red flag in a relationship might include controlling behavior or dishonesty, while this type of sign—like open communication and mutual respect—signals a healthy, positive dynamic.
What is a green flag?
Green flags in a relationship are signs of healthy, positive traits, such as trust, respect, and effective communication, while red flags signal potential issues or harmful behaviors.
This physical activity, known for its rhythmic, repetitive movements, is a powerful way to boost endorphins, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health, making it a key part of many recovery plans.
What is running/jogging/walking