Stages Of Change
This stage involves recognizing that your drug or alcohol use is a problem and thinking about making a change
contemplation
Some cigarettes made in China contain insect eggs and human feces.
TRUE
As a person with addiction, you'll always have a craving?
Typically false, most often, cravings subside over time.
This term describes the phenomenon in which the brain becomes less responsive to the effects of a drug over time
tolerance
What is the acronym for HALT?
Why is this used?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired.
When we are most vulnerable to relapse
this stage involves not seeing your drug or alcohol use as a problem.
precontemplation
Globally, Alcohol causes one death per minute.
FALSE.
Alcohol causes 6 deaths per minute!
The best way to avoid a relapse is to have a relapse prevention plan?
True
This term describes a physical and psychological symptom that occur when a person stops using the drug after prolonged use
Withdrawal
How can we avoid becoming complacent in our relapse prevention efforts?
1 strategy for avoiding complacency is to continue reassess our relapse prevention plans and adjust them as needed. We should also stay connected with our support network and be open to feedback and suggestions
this stage involves actually making changes to your drug or alcohol use, such as attending treatment or support groups.
action
Bath salts can turn you into a cannibal?
TRUE!
People can always tell what it is that's triggering a craving?
False- often it is not obvious. Triggers like scents, memories, sounds, thoughts, or sensations (hungerm pain, exhaustion) can affect you without you knowing it.
What area of the brain is first damaged by addiction? And what does this part of the brain responsible for?
prefrontal cortex, it is responsible for decision making, impulse control, and judgement.
How can we balance the need to avoid triggers with the importance of living a full and meaningful life
By stepping outside of our comfort zones and take calculated risks. It is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of each decision.
this stage involves making a plan for how you will change your drug or alcohol use
preparation
Long term alcohol use can cause vitamin deficiencies, anemia, pink elephants, problems finding the ground, pancreatitis, liver disease, cancer, and excessive hair growth.
FALSE
Everything is true besides pink elephants and excessive hair growth!
Tried to trick ya
hanging out with using friends can be a trigger?
true- duh ;)
what are some of the long-term effects of addiction on the brain, and how can they be addressed in the recovery process?
long term drug use can lead to changes in the brain that persists even after a person stops using drugs. These Changes can affect mood, memory, and cognitive function, and they can also increase the risk of relapse.
How effective are mindfulness based interventions and reducing the impact of triggers on relapse rates
Research has shown that mindfulness based interventions can be effective in reducing the impact of triggers and relapse rates. These interventions typically involve training individuals to be more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, and to develop strategies for responding to triggers and more mindful and intentional way. Studies have shown that individuals who participate in these types of interventions may be less likely to relapse, and may experience improvements in a range of mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and stress
this stage involves working to maintain the changes you've made and prevent relapse.
Maintenace
Carfentanyl, similar to the opioid Fentanyl, is so toxic that Narcan often doesnt work
True- a person often dies after administering Narcan due to the potency :(
The best way to stay clean is to be strong and decide not to use.
False- you shouldn't rely on strength and will-power to overcome drugs, especially in the beginning. It's better to avoid triggers altogether ad get into the habit of saying NO without thinking.
What are some of the emerging treatments for addiction that are based on our understanding of the brain, and how effective are they in treating addiction
Emerging treatments for addiction there based on our understanding of the brain include medications to target specific neurotransmitter systems, neuromodulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and behavioral therapies to address that underlying cognitive and emotional factors that contribute to addiction.
How to triggers impact the neural pathways in the brain that are associated with addiction
Triggers can activate the brains reward system, which is associated with the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This can reinforce the association between the trigger and the addictive behavior, making it more difficult to resist the urge to use drugs or alcohol. Over time, this can lead to changes in the neural pathways that are associated with addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of addiction