Triggers & Cravings
What is a trigger?
This is something, person, place, or emotion that can increase the urge to use substances.
Which drug is currently involved in most opioid overdose deaths in the United States?
Fentanyl
Name one common symptom of opioid withdrawal.
Chills, body aches, diarrhea, nausea, sweating, anxiety
What are the chances of recovery usually higher with: isolation or support systems?
Support systems
What mental health condition commonly happens alongside substance use disorder?
Anxiety, depression, PTSD
True or False: Cravings usually last forever if you ignore them.
False
What part of the body is most damaged by long-term alcohol abuse?
The liver
Which two substances can have deadly withdrawals if not medically treated?
Alcohol and benzodiazepines
What is one major warning sign that someone may be heading toward relapse?
Isolation, lying, missing meetings, cravings, reconnecting with old people/places
Why can trauma increase the risk of addiction?
People may use substances to numb emotional pain
Name one healthy thing someone can do when cravings become intense.
Call support person, walk, journal, deep breathing, meeting, distraction, grounding, exercise.
What medication is used to reverse an opioid overdose?
Narcan/Naloxone
What is the medical term for severe alcohol withdrawal that can include hallucinations and seizures?
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Why is sleep important in recovery?
It helps mental and physical healing
Name one healthy coping skill people can use instead of substances.
Exercise, journaling, meetings, therapy, music, breathing exercises
True or false, being around individuals who are currently abusing substances increasing your chances of relapsing
True
Which stimulant drug is known for causing extreme bursts of energy, paranoia, and lack of sleep?
Methamphetamine
Why do many detox centers monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during withdrawal?
Because withdrawal can become medically dangerous
What does “self-medicating” mean?
Using substances to cope with emotions/stress/mental health
What is one reason people in recovery are encouraged to avoid isolation?
Isolation can worsen cravings, depression, and relapse risk
True or false most cravings stop after 10 minutes
True
What area of the brain affects decision-making and impulse control and is heavily impacted by addiction?
The prefrontal cortex
True or False: Suboxone can be used to treat patients who have an addiction to alcohol
False
What is one thing addiction changes in the brain?
Dopamine, impulse control, reward system, decision-making
True or False: Everyone who abuses substances has a mental health disorder
False