Addiction & the Brain
What is tolerance?
Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.
What is an emotional trigger?
An emotion or emotional state that increases the urge to use.
What is urge surfing?
Noticing and observing a craving without acting on it, allowing it to rise and eventually decrease.
What is one characteristic of a healthy support person?
respectful, trustworthy, supportive, encouraging, non-judgmental
true or false: a lapse and a relapse always mean exactly the same thing.
False. a lapse is a brief return to use, while a relapse refers to a more sustained return to previous patterns.
What is withdrawl?
Physical or Psychological symptoms that can occur when substance use is reduced or stopped.
True or false: Stress can trigger cravings.
True
Name 3 healthy coping strategies?
exercise, deep breathing, talking to someone, journaling, music, walking, hobbies, grounding, meditation.
what is a healthy boundary?
a clear limit about what you will or will not accept, do or participate in.
what does relapse prevention mean?
identifying triggers and warning signs and developing strategies to reduce risk of returning to substance use.
What is the brain's reward Pathway?
Brain systems involved in motivation, reward, pleasure, reinforcement, and learning.
Name one environmental trigger?
Bar, neighborhood, home, music, smell, or object associated with previous use.
Name one grounding technique?
5-4-3-2-1 senses exercise, slow breathing, noticing surroundings, focusing on one object.
what is one way to say no when someone offers you a substance?
no thanks, I'm not using, i'm working on my recovery, or leaving the situation.
Name one warning sign that someone maybe moving toward relapse.
isolation, increased cravings, reconnecting with people that use, romanticizing past use, stopping supprt, or increased stress.
Can addiction affect mental health?
Yes. substance use and mental health influence one another.
true of false: Every craving must be acted upon.
false. a craving can be experienced without acting on it.
who is one person you could contact when you're struggling?
a trusted friend, family member, sponsor, counsellor, peer support worker, or another safe support
true or false: asking for help is a sign of weakness.
false. asking for help is a strength
Why is having a recovery plan useful?
It helps someone recognize the risks early and know what to do when challenges or cravings arise.
Why can cravings happen even after someone has stopped using?
The brain can learn associations between substance use and people, places, emotions, routines or situations.
What is one thing someone can do when experiencing a strong craving?
Leave situation, contact support, distract themselves, use grounding, exercise, go somewhere safe, walk.
what is one healthy activity that helps you manage stress?
exercise, music, hobbies journaling, breathing exercises. spending time outside
Name one place where someone could find a social support?
recovery groups, counselling, community programs, peer support, or supportive friends and family.
Why is self compassion important in recovery?
It can reduce shame and help someone respond to setbacks with problem-solving rather than giving up.