Recovery and Culture
What is one danger of believing everything you see about substance use on social media?
Social media can normalize risky behaviors or spread misinformation.
What is polysubstance use?
Using more than one substance, sometimes at the same time.
What are three common warning signs that someone may be at risk of relapse?
Isolation, romanticizing past use, increased cravings, skipping treatment, or returning to old routines.
What organ is most affected by substances that change thinking, mood, and behavior?
Brain
How can repeated substance use interfere with adolescent brain development and future decision-making?
It can affect developing brain systems involved in learning, memory, impulse control, and planning.
What does FOMO stand for, and how can it affect decision-making?
Fear of missing out; it can pressure someone into situations that don't align with their values or recovery.
What is the difference between physical dependence and substance use disorder?
Physical dependence involves adaptation of the body; substance use disorder involves a pattern of problematic use causing significant impairment or distress.
What does it mean to romanticize substance use?
Remembering only the positive feelings or experiences while ignoring the negative consequences.
Why might teens be more vulnerable to substance-related risks than adults?
Because their brains are still developing, especially areas involved in judgment and impulse control.
What is one way substance use can affect friendships?
It can create conflict, dishonesty, or distance.
What actor starred in A Star Is Born and has publicly discussed his recovery from alcohol and drug use?
bonus points to name 3 additional celebrities in recovery
Bradley Cooper
Why can taking someone else's prescription medication be dangerous?
The medication may not be appropriate for you, and the dose or interactions could cause serious harm.
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
A lapse is generally a brief return to use; a relapse is a return to a pattern of substance use. Both are signals to reconnect with support.
What brain chemical is strongly involved in motivation, reward, and reinforcement?
Dopamine
Why is setting boundaries important when recovering from substance use?
It helps protect personal safety, health, and recovery goals
What does stigma mean?
Bonus Points for discussing a person who helped eliminate stigma for you
Negative attitudes, beliefs, or judgments toward a person or group.
What is the difference between an opioid and an opiate?
Opiates are naturally derived from opium; opioids include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic drugs that act on opioid receptors.
What is a relapse prevention plan supposed to include?
Personal triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people, and steps to take if a setback happens.
What organ filters toxins from your blood and can be damaged by heavy alcohol use?
Liver
Someone says, "My substance use only affects me, not anyone else." Why might this statement be inaccurate?
Substance use can affect family, friends, school, relationships, community, and other people's safety.
Instead of calling someone "clean," what recovery-focused word can we use?
Sober or in recovery, depending on the context.
Why can two people experience different effects from using the same substance?
Differences in biology, age, health, tolerance, other medications, and other factors.
How can someone rebuild their identity after substance use has become a big part of their life?
Explore interests, develop healthy relationships, set goals, and discover who they are outside of substance use.
What can happen to your body temperature with stimulant use?
It can raise to dangerous levels
How can substance use affect someone's independence?
They may become more dependent on others and have difficulty managing responsibilities.