Stimulants
These drugs speed up your body. What are they?
Stimulants
These drugs slow the body and brain. What are they?
Depressants
What do drugs change in the brain?
Neurotransmitters/brain chemistry
Name one coping skill.
Deep breathing, walking, calling support, grounding
You're invited to a party where people are using. What is your first step?
Have an exit plan / choose not to go / bring support / set boundaries
Name 2 common stimulants.
Cocaine, meth, caffeine, nicotine, Adderall
Name one major overdose risk.
Slowed breathing leading to death
Do brains heal quickly or slowly?
Slowly, over weeks to months
Name one Ttrigger
People, places, emotions, stress, boredom
You see old friends you used with. What should you do?
Create distance, reach out to support, leave the situation
What can happen at high doses?
Paranoia, agitation, possible overdose
What happens when you mix depressants?
Potentiation: 1+1 > 2; overdose risk skyrockets
What causes cravings?
Triggers activating memory pathways
What should you do during a craving?
Use skills, reach out, change environment
You're stressed and craving. What is a healthy response?
Use coping skills: breathe, distract, call someone, attend a meeting
What happens to sleep and appetite?
Both decrease (insomnia and low appetite)
What is a blackout?
Memory loss while under the influence
Which brain area is tied to emotion & memory triggers?
Amygdala
Name two people you can reach out to.
Sponsor, therapist, friend, family, peer
Someone offers you a pill and says 'it's safe.' What do you do?
Refuse; unknown pills are high risk (especially with fentanyl)
Name a psychological effect after the high wears off.
Crash: depression, anxiety, irritability
Which withdrawal can be deadly?
Depressant (alcohol/benzo) withdrawal
Why is relapse risky for the brain?
Brain is still healing and more vulnerable to damage
Name one long-Term recovery strategy
Meetings, routine, support system, therapy
You feel like using after a tough day. What's the next best step?
Pause, use skills, contact support, revisit reasons for recovery