Addiction facts
What is the term for when someone needs more of a substance to achieve the same effect?
Tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body requires more of a substance to achieve the same effect, often leading to increased use.
Name one benefit of participating in a support group (multiple correct answers).
Connect with others who are going through similar experiences, share coping strategies, learn about other helpful resources, talk about feelings and concerns in a supportive environment, reducing feelings of loneliness, learn more about your specific diagnosis, etc.
How can healthy hydration benefit your mental health?
Staying hydrated supports brain health, enhancing focus, mood, and energy
Give an example of a change in sleep that could indicate potential relapse.
Sleeping a lot less than usual or a lot more than usual without another explanation can indicate that a person is likely to relapse
What did the traffic light say to the car?
Don't look! I'm changing!
Give an example of a behavioral addiction (multiple correct answers).
Gambling, social media addiction, shopping, etc. Behavioral addiction is driven by psychological rewards and habitual patterns.
What does sponsorship mean in addiction recovery programs?
A supportive relationship where a more experienced person guides someone in recovery.
What is the importance of exercise in mental recovery?
It releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.
Situation: your medications seem to be working well; your mood seems stable, your anxiety and depression have improved, and you feel like yourself again. Should you stop taking your medications?
No! If you would like to discontinue particular medications, please contact your healthcare provider and set up an appointment to discuss medication changes.
Why did the bicycle fall over?
Because it was two-tired!
What is the most commonly abused substance in the United States?
Alcohol
You have medication that you are no longer taking. Name one resource for safely disposing of that medication (multiple correct answers).
Pharmacies, health departments, medication drop boxes, police and fire stations, etc. Contact them first to verify availability.
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry Angry Lonely Tired
Name a potential consequence of not showing up to a scheduled appointment for therapy, psychiatry, or another medical specialty (multiple correct answers).
Still charged for the appointment, unable to maintain prescription refills, dropped from the provider, etc
What does a clock do when it gets hungry?
It goes back four seconds!
Which medication is commonly prescribed for treating alcohol dependence by reducing cravings?
Naltrexone. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and reduces cravings, helping individuals maintain abstinence as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Give the name of a crisis hotline you can contact for additional support (multiple correct answers).
Crisis Hotline Numbers
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
Veterans Crisis Line - Call 800-273-8255 or text 838255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-8255.
Crisis Text line – Text TALK to 741741
Gambling Hotline: call 1-800-522-4700 and 1-800-GAMBLER
National Drug Hotline: call 1-844-289-0879
Help with housing, bills, mental health, etc: call 211 or go to findhelp.org
What is the current recommended amount of sleep for healthy adults?
7-9 hours of sleep every 24 hours
True or false: relapse means you've failed
False! Relapse is a learning opportunity. You have still made progress in your recovery.
What do you call an illegally parked frog?
Toad!
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly targeted in medications for opioid addiction?
Dopamine. Medications like methadone target the dopamine system to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping stabilize individuals during recovery.
Many community organizations use the phrase "harm reduction". What does "harm reduction" mean in regards to treatment and recovery?
Minimizing the negative consequences of substance use. Harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchanges, reduce health risks associated with addiction without requiring immediate cessation, making treatment more accessible.
Name two strategies you can implement after discharge to take your medications on a regular basis (multiple correct answers).
Phone or smartwatch alarm, pill trays, keeping medications visible if it is safe to do so, pairing medications with something you already do regularly, asking a support person to remind you, etc
Give an example of when someone should return to inpatient care as part of their recovery process.
When they are a danger to themselves or others, unable to maintain safety in current environment, etc
Why are spiders so smart?
They can find everything on the web!