This Is Your Brain on Drugs...
The brain, spinal cord, and nerves make up this system which is directly affected by addiction through changes in reward pathways, stress response, and impulse control.
Nervous System
This is a coping skill that involves focusing on the present moment and emotions without judgment.
Mindfulness
Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), offer peer support for people recovering from addiction using this set of guiding principles.
The 12 Steps
This is a guide who supports someone in recovery.
This former Beatle has openly struggled with addiction and mental health issues.
Paul McCartney
This is the brain chemical heavily involved in reward and pleasure that is affected by many drugs.
Dopamine
This practice involves focusing on positive aspects of life to counteract negativity.
Gratitude
This is the support program for people whose lives have been affected by friends’ and family’s substance use.
Al-Anon
This is when someone in recovery repairs harm done to others during active addiction.
Making Amends
This rapper and actor has been open about his pill addiction, referenced in his album “Recovery”.
Eminem
Chronic drug use can lead to decreased production of this neurotransmitter, often causing withdrawal symptoms and depression.
Serotonin
This skill involves taking care of your body through rest, nutrition, and exercise.
Self-Care
This is the use of FDA-approved medications, including suboxone and vivitrol, in combination with counseling.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
***Daily Double*** The phase of recovery in which one feels everything is going great and you often feel you are "cured".
Pink Cloud or Honeymoon Phase
This actor struggled with addiction throughout the 1990’s, leading to several public arrests and stints in rehab before making a come-back as one of Hollywood’s most successful superheroes.
Robert Downy Jr.
This part of the brain controls decision making and impulse control.
Frontal Lobe or Prefrontal Cortex
This is a mindfulness-based skill that involves acknowledging a craving or emotion and waiting for the feeling to pass without acting on it.
Urge-Surfing or Riding the Wave
This modern approach to public health addresses substance abuse by emphasizing strategies for limiting harm, including needle exchange programs and supervised injection sites.
Harm Reduction
This month is recognized as the National Recovery Month in the US.
September
This Jackass was notorious for reckless alcohol and drug fueled benders, but now celebrates 18 years of recovery.
Steve-O
***Daily Double*** These are the 3 natural responses to stress or danger.
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
In the context of recovery, the acronym H.A.L.T. reminds us to stop and consider these 4 things that can affect our mood.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired
Nearly 50% of people with this diagnosis develop at least one substance use disorder, making it the most common co-occurring disorder.
PTSD
This is a person with lived experience of addiction and recovery who is certified to provide mentorship, advocacy, and practical support to others navigating sobriety.
Peer Support Specialist
This recovering alcoholic and professional swimmer broke the all-time Olympic record for most medals won by any athlete.
Michael Phelps