Addiction and the brain
What neurotransmitter plays the biggest role in addiction?
Dopamine
What chemical causes the intense feeling of reward after drug use?
Dopamine
Can the brain heal after addiction?
Yes.
Why is structure important in recovery?
It reduces the chance of relapse and helps build healthy habits.
Give one healthy activity that provides natural rewards.
Exercise, hobbies, church, family time, volunteering.
What part of the brain is responsible for judgment, decision-making, and impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex
What usually starts a craving?
A cue, trigger, memory, sight, sound, or feeling.
What happens to the prefrontal cortex during recovery?
It regains normal function and improves decision-making.
About how many days does it take, on average, to build a new habit?
About 66 days.
What happens to decision-making during addiction?
It becomes weaker or impaired.
Addiction "hijacks" what system in the brain?
The brain's reward system
What part of the brain helps recognize emotional triggers?
The amygdala
Recovery helps the brain respond to what instead of drugs?
Natural rewards.
What should always be your top priority in recovery?
Sobriety.
Why is having a support network important?
It helps prevent relapse and provides encouragement and accountability.
True or false: Addiction only affects physical health
False. It affects physical, mental, and emotional health.
Why do cravings become stronger over time?
Because repeated drug use strengthens the brain pathways connected to drug use.
Name three things that help "reset" the brain.
Healthy activities, connection with others, therapy, sobriety, exercise, and meaningful goals are all important.
Name one tip for building a healthy routine.
Keep it attainable, reevaluate regularly, seek advice, engage your body/mind/emotions, or strive for progress.
Name one area of life that improves with a healthy routine.
Mental health, physical health, self-control, confidence, or relationships.
What ability allows the brain to rewire itself during recovery?
Neuroplasticity
Approximately when do cravings often peak for people recovering from meth use?
Around 3 months of abstinence.
True or false: Brain changes caused by addiction are always permanent.
False.
Why should routines stay flexible?
Because life changes, and routines should adapt instead of becoming overwhelming.
What is one way someone can overcome cravings?
Connect with others, remove triggers, practice mindfulness, attend support meetings, or replace cravings with healthy activities.