Neuroscience of Addiction
Relapse Prevention
Triggers and Cravings
Setting Boundaries
DBT
100

This chemical is often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.

 Dopamine

100

This acronym helps identify vulnerability: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.

HALT

100

Name one common emotional trigger that can lead to cravings.  

Stress (Other acceptable answers: anxiety, sadness, boredom)

100

This word describes the invisible line that separates your needs, feelings, and responsibilities from others.  

a boundary

100

This DBT skill teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

mindfulness

200

Addiction hijacks this brain system responsible for rewards and motivation.

The mesolimbic pathway

200

This type of plan outlines strategies to avoid returning to substance use.

A relapse prevention plan

200

This type of trigger is based on thoughts, emotions, or memories.

internal trigger

200

Saying “no” without guilt is an example of this type of boundary.

assertive boundary

200

This acronym stands for a set of crisis survival skills: Distraction, Self-soothing, Improving the moment, and Thinking of pros and cons.

ACCEPTS

300

This part of the brain, responsible for decision-making, is weakened by chronic substance use.

The prefrontal cortex

300

This term refers to the gradual process of returning to old behaviors and thought patterns before actual substance use occurs.

 emotional relapse 

300

This mindfulness-based strategy helps individuals observe cravings without acting on them.  

urge surfing

300

This type of boundary is often violated when someone constantly interrupts or dominates conversations.  

communication boundary

300

This acronym helps you ask for what you want while maintaining self-respect.

DEAR MAN

400

This brain region, central to reward and motivation, is heavily impacted by substance use.

the nucleus accumbens

400

This cognitive strategy involves identifying and challenging distorted thinking patterns.

cognitive restructuring

400

This recovery skill involves recognizing a trigger, pausing before reacting, and choosing a healthy coping strategy instead of substance use.

self-regulation

400

This type of boundary involves protecting your time, energy, and emotional well-being from toxic relationships.

personal boundary

400

This DBT skill involves identifying and labeling emotions accurately.

checking the facts

500

This term describes the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which plays a key role in recovery from addiction.

neuroplasticity

500

This evidence-based therapy focuses on identifying high-risk situations and developing coping responses to prevent relapse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

500

This grounding technique involves naming five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste to reduce the intensity of a craving.

the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise

500

This phrase describes the tendency to prioritize others’ needs at the expense of your own, often leading to burnout.

people-pleasing

500

 This core DBT principle encourages individuals to accept reality as it is while also working to change it — balancing two seemingly opposite truths.

dialectical thinking

M
e
n
u