ADDICTION SCIENCE
This part of the brain is primarily responsible for impaired decision-making and impulse control in active addiction.
Prefrontal cortex
One small slip does not erase recovery—this idea helps prevent the abstinence violation effect.
Self-compassion
The belief “I am unlovable” is an example of this type of thought pattern.
Grounding skills are most effective when practiced during this mental state rather than crisis.
Wise mind / regulated state
This defense mechanism involves minimizing the impact of substance use despite clear consequences.
Denial
Chronic substance use most directly alters this neurotransmitter involved in motivation and reward.
Dopamine
This relapse stage involves emotional warning signs before conscious thoughts of using appear.
Emotional Relapse
This DBT concept refers to the integration of emotional mind and rational mind.
Wise Mind
This regulation skill focuses on engaging the five senses to anchor in the present moment.
Sensory grounding
Recovery capital refers to the internal and external __________ that support long-term sobriety.
Resources & Support
This process explains why relapse risk remains high even after long periods of abstinence.
Neuroplasticity (or conditioned learning pathways)
This cognitive distortion often appears just before relapse and sounds like, “I deserve this.”
Rationalization
This trauma response can look like compliance or people-pleasing in recovery.
Fawn (You people-please, agree automatically, avoid conflict, abandon your needs)
This branch of the nervous system is responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Emotional numbing in recovery is most commonly linked to this trauma-related process.
Dissociation
This term describes the brain’s reduced response to dopamine over time, requiring more of a substance to feel the same effect.
Tolerance
According to Marlatt’s model, this emotional state is the most common trigger for relapse.
H.A.L.T - L: Loneliness (most common)
“I messed up once, so I might as well give up” is an example of this cognitive distortion.
All-or-nothing thinking
Name the breathing technique that involves two short inhales followed by a long exhale.
Physiological sigh
This attachment style often struggles most with boundaries in early recovery.
Anxious Attachment
This brain structure assigns emotional significance to cues and is heavily involved in craving.
Amygdala
In relapse prevention theory, this acronym refers to apparently irrelevant decisions.
A.I.D.s
This term describes the tendency to confuse feelings with facts.
Emotional Reasoning
This nervous system state is associated with safety, connection, and social engagement.
Ventral vagal state
This term describes aligning actions with values even when emotions are painful.
Values-based action