Addiction Education
What is addiction?
A chronic disease affecting the brain, causing compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.
What is the most deadly substance worldwide?
Tobacco.
What is Step 1 in the 12-Step Program?
Admitting powerlessness over addiction and that life has become unmanageable.
What does alcohol do to your central nervous system?
It slows it down, acting as a depressant.
What is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S.?
Marijuana.
Name the way addiction affects the brain.
It changes the brain’s reward system.
Which substance causes the most overdose deaths in the U.S.?
Which substance causes the most overdose deaths in the U.S.?
What is the purpose of having a sponsor?
To provide support and guidance through the steps.
What mental health issue is common with long-term meth use?
Psychosis or hallucinations.
Which age group has the highest rate of substance use initiation?
18–25 years old.
What does “tolerance” mean in addiction?
Needing more of a substance to get the same effect.
What can reverse an opioid overdose?
Naloxone (Narcan).
What does it mean to make amends?
To take responsibility and make efforts to repair harm done to others.
What organ does alcohol damage most severely over time?
The liver.
How many people die globally each year from alcohol-related causes (WHO estimate)?
About 3 million.
What is withdrawal?
Physical and mental symptoms that occur after stopping a substance.
What is the primary cause of alcohol-related death?
Liver disease, accidents, and alcohol poisoning.
What is the spiritual principle behind Step 3?
Surrender.
What neurotransmitter is most affected by cocaine use?
Dopamine.
What is the average relapse rate for substance use disorders?
40–60%, similar to other chronic illnesses like diabetes.
What is the difference between physical and psychological dependence?
Physical involves withdrawal symptoms; psychological involves emotional cravings.
How does benzodiazepine overdose usually occur?
Often when combined with opioids or alcohol, leading to respiratory depression.
In Step 9, what should you consider before making amends?
Whether making amends would harm the person or others.
What is the relationship between long-term substance use and heart disease?
Many substances (e.g., cocaine, meth, alcohol) increase the risk of heart attack, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy.
How does benzodiazepine overdose usually occur?
Often when combined with opioids or alcohol, leading to respiratory depression.