Definitions and Fill In
The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions or connections.
Neuroplasticity
Some people are more vulnerable to addiction based on complex genetic and environmental factors.
True.
What does Neuroplasticity allow to happen for us and our brain (positively and negatively)?
It allows us to learn new skills including the development of bad habits.
For people with long-term alcohol use, it disrupts the ability to manage ___ and ___.
Stress and Emotions.
True or False: Humans are the only animals that blush.
True: we are also the only animals that experience embarrassment. This is because it’s a complex emotion that involves understanding other people’s opinions.
Changing ____ will change your ____.
behavior/brain.
Scientists say that our brains stop developing after adolescence. They’ve learned that, like height, this part of the body remains static unless it is damaged through injury or illness (such as substance use).
False: Advances in neuroscience have taught us that this simply isn’t true. Thanks to neuroplasticity, it turns out it is possible to restore brain health after active addiction.
The brain can heal and learn ways of coping with stress and controlling cravings by creating new _____.
Neural Pathways.
Why do substance users have an increased risk of relapse related to neuroplasticity?
As the reward pathways in our brain are altered, it can actually make it more difficult to control cravings, even after periods of abstinence… this is because this constant stimuli exposure becomes our new “normal”.
Which animal cannot look up to the sky?
Pigs: the anatomy of their spine and neck muscles limits their movement and restricts their head from being able to look upwards.
Where do neurons receive signals from that allow for intricate communication between many different circuits, each with a unique function in our nervous system? What is it called?
From Neurotransmitters.
When the brain experiences trauma, it doesn’t crack or shatter. Instead, it remolds itself to adjust to its new reality.
True: An example of neuroplasticity is when someone re-learns how to speak after having a stroke. Their mind “rewires,” developing new neural pathways to perform activities previously restricted to its damaged language center.
In what ways can neuroplasticity be harmful to us due to substance use?
Continuous exposure to substances will create negative stimuli dependence in our brain that leads to development of powerful cravings for a certain drug
Why is addiction referred to as a “disease of neuroplasticity”?
Addiction has been called “a disease of neuroplasticity” because substance use actually causes our brains to change their circuitry.
Human ___ name the only part of the body that cannot heal themselves.
Teeth
An example of neuroplasticity is when someone re-learns how to speak after having a stroke. Their mind ____, developing new neural pathways to perform activities previously restricted to its damaged language center.
Rewires.
Drugs do not get in the way of communication with neurotransmitters.
False; they interfere with the way neurotransmitters are sent and received.
In what ways can neuroplasticity be beneficial to us?
Adaptation can be beneficial…learning: to regulate emotions during stressful situations, restructuring: adapting to new stimuli in order to continue functioning…
How does cocaine interfere with our neurotransmitters?
Cocaine causes large amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine to be released and also inhibits its reabsorption; this intensifies the feelings of pleasure from the drug.
What is Scotland‘s national animal?
Unicorn
What is negative neuroadaptation?
Over time, minds adapt to the presence of drugs and alcohol.
There has been promising research around mindfulness and meditation helping our neuroplasticity with substance use.
True: These findings indicate that mental exercises result in positive neuroadaptation.
What positive practices has shown to help alter the brain to create positive neuro-adaptation?
Psychotherapy, music therapy, physical exercise, learning a new language, brain teasers such as sudoku and healthy sleep habits.
Fun fact: CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been one of the most effective psychotherapies to create positive neuro-adaptations.
____ are sent out to neighboring cells, and must cross a synapse (gap) in order to attach onto the receiving neuron, where their message is delivered (much like answering a phone call). These _____ are then recycled back to their “home” neuron and the communication ends (and the cell “hangs up the phone”).
Hint: they help send out signals in our brains
Neurotransmitters
Which letter in the alphabet does not appear in any US state?
The letter Q