Brain & Behavior
What is emotional drift?
Gradual disengagement from awareness/routines.
When stress builds up, this is often the first self-care practice to drop.
What is sleep, healthy eating, connection, etc
The brain’s reward pathways remain sensitive to triggers like smells, locations, or people associated with prior use.
What are Conditioned cues
The story you tell yourself about who you are.
What is identity?
He’s the silent slasher who wears a white mask in the “Halloween” movies.
Who is Michael Myers?
One physical factor that increases relapse risk?
Sleep loss / Stress / Medication misuse.
Stress often shows up first in this part of the body.
What is shoulders, jaw, chest, etc
Even years into recovery, chronic stress can reactivate craving circuits
What are Stress-induced cravings
Seeing yourself as someone who values recovery makes it easier to build this.
What is commitment / consistency?
This 1984 movie features a killer who attacks victims in their dreams.
What is A Nightmare on Elm Street?
True or False: the brain resets fully after 1 year sober
False
This coping strategy helps shift focus away from cravings or urges.
What is grounding / distraction / replacement activity?
These can lower impulse control and increase emotional reactivity.
What are Sleep deprivation and poor physical health
When we share a recovery identity with a group, it creates this sense of connection.
What is belonging / community?
The Sanderson Sisters come back to life in this Disney Halloween classic.
What is Hocus Pocus?
What part of the brain “lights up” when old triggers appear?
Reward Pathway / Limbic System
A healthy way to recharge your energy after a hard day.
What is walking, music, journaling, calling a friend, etc.
This can reignite physiological dependence after medical procedures
What are Medications
One way to strengthen your recovery identity in daily life.
What are affirmations, support groups, practicing coping skills, self-care
“Here’s Johnny!” is a famous line from this 1980 horror movie.
What is The Shining?