SMART RECOVERY
What does SMART stand for?
Self-Management and Recovery Training
What is the definition of a substance use disorder?
A condition where the use of one or more substances leads to significant impairment or distress
True or False: CBT focuses mostly on childhood experiences.
False (It focuses on present thoughts, behaviors, and feelings)
True or False: Anxiety and stress are the same thing.
False (Stress is a response to external causes; anxiety is internal and ongoing)
True or False: Gambling can become an addiction even without using substances.
True
What tool helps you examine the pros and cons of using vs. not using?
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)
Name a physical symptom of withdrawal from alcohol.
Shaking, sweating, nausea, insomnia, headache, or increased heart rate
Name the four core DBT skill modules.
Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness
Name one symptom of depression.
Fatigue, loss of interest, sadness, sleep changes, appetite changes, hopelessness
Name one behavioral addiction. (Not one that has been mentioned already)
Answers may vary
What does the “D” in DISARM stand for?
Destructive (as in "Destructive Imagery and Self-Talk Awareness and Refusal Method")
True or False: Relapse means recovery has failed.
False (Relapse can be part of the recovery process and a learning opportunity)
What’s a common thinking trap where you see things as all good or all bad?
Black-and-white thinking (also called all-or-nothing thinking)
How does internalized stigma affect someone with a mental health condition?
It can lead to shame, self-doubt, reduced self-esteem, and avoiding treatment — often reinforcing the illness.
Name three major neurochemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect mood, behavior, or addiction — and briefly describe what they do.
Dopamine – involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure; linked to addiction.
Serotonin – regulates mood, sleep, and emotions; often targeted by antidepressants.
Norepinephrine – helps with alertness, energy, and stress response.
Endorphins – natural pain relief and pleasure
What is the ABC tool used for?
To analyze beliefs and consequences of an activating event
What is the difference between physical and psychological dependence?
Physical involves bodily withdrawal symptoms; psychological involves cravings, habits, and emotional reliance
What is the term for beliefs that are not based on reality or evidence?
Cognitive distortions
What is anhedonia?
Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure.
How is the brain’s dopamine system affected by behavioral addictions?
Behavioral addictions hijack the brain’s reward system by triggering dopamine releases, just like substances do. Over time, the brain starts to crave the behavior for the dopamine “hit,” leading to tolerance, compulsive use, and reduced sensitivity to natural rewards like food, hobbies, or social connection.
Name all 4 points of the SMART Recovery 4-Point Program.
1. Building and Maintaining Motivation
2. Coping with Urges
3. Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
4. Living a Balanced Life
Name 3 common triggers that might lead someone to use.
Stress, environment, certain people, boredom, negative emotions, celebrations
Give an example of how someone might reframe a negative thought.
“I always fail” → “Sometimes things don’t work out, but I’m learning and growing” (Answers may vary — allow open discussion)
What was DBT originally created for?
Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicidality, and Self-Harm
True or False: Behavioral addictions affect the brain in similar ways as drugs.
True