Impact on our function
What neurotransmitter is heavily involved in addiction and reward pathways?
Dopamine
What is initial use?
Trying substances for the first time. ie. taking prescription medication and/or other substances.
What is urge surfing?
Is a techniques for managing your unwanted behaviour. Rather than giving into an urge, you will ride it out, like a surfer rides a wave. After a short time, the urge will pass on its own.
This technique can be used to stop or reduce drug and alcohol use, emotional reactions such as 'blowing up' when angry, gambling, and other unwanted behaviours. Trigger, Rise, Peak, Fall
What is meaningful leisure?
Unique to each person, something that brings you joy, fulfillment, aligns with our values, provides opportunity for sense of achievement. Enrich our quality of life. Not just something to pass time.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
Developing a plan that outlines how you will manage addiction recovery and prevent relapse. A plan based from your own personal values.
At the Oscars, which actor told the presenter to get his wifes name out of his mouth?
Will Smith
What is abuse?
Recurring and improper use ie. Binging, occasional cocaine use, taking a higher dose of prescription then recommended, using in a harmful way.
What is playing the tape?
Thinking about the long-term affects/consequences of the choices. What will life look like if I choose substances or if I choose to abstain. Stop and think, play the tape see the consequences and choose something else to do, healthier ways to cope.
What is a balanced work life?
Unique to the individuals. Making sure you have enough time for work and for personal life (family, friends and meaningful leisure). Being sure to take your breaks at work, having a schedule, being able to say no, organized, getting enough sleep.
Is Tim Hortons or McDonalds coffee cheaper?
McDonalds
What happens to our decision making abilities when we have consistent substance use?
It impairs our decision making because of the effect on our brain regions (and neural pathways) involved in judgement, impulse control and risk assessment. We have poor impulse control, difficulty weighing consequences/risks, and we make decisions based on emotion rather than rational thought.
What is tolerance?
Drug use causes changes in the brain over time and the body adapts. The original dose no longer provides the same effect leading someone to take a higher and higher dose to achieve the same effect.
Stop, Take a step back, Observe, Pull back, Proceed mindfully.
Is a tomato a vegetable or fruit?
Fruit- technically a berry
What is a support network?
Friends, family, healthcare team, AA, NA.
How does chronic substance use impact our physical health?
It disrupts most of our daily routines and habits including sleeping habits, reduced movement, poor hygiene, weakened immune system, increased fatigue, and inadequate nutrition and hydration.
What is dependence?
Person feels a strong emotional/mental need for a drug. The body adapts to the drug leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is reduced or stopped. Difficult to feel pleasure without the substances. Brain dependent on it to function properly.
What is box breathing?
Is a 4 count mindfulness technique. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts and hold for 4 counts.
What is the importance of balance?
Reduces stress and burnout, helps maintain mental health, fosters health and well-being, promotes self growth, increases life satisfaction, and happiness.
How will we stay accountable?
Reward system (daily/weekly), support system, AA/NA.
How does chronic substance use impact our social wellbeing?
Leads to conflicts, isolation, decreased time spent with loved ones, impaired social functioning at work or events.
What is addiction?
Developing tolerance and continue to increase the dose, relationship difficulties/conflict, using in unsafe situation-risky decision making, unable to maintain daily responsibilities, cravings and urges, choosing drugs over our leisure activities, continues to use despite negative effects or consequences.
The third planet from the sun
Emotion, Mental, Physical, Social, Spiritual, and Work & Financial.
What is self care?
Balance; getting ready for the day-ALDs; affirmation-positive self talk, mantras; doing things we enjoy-meaningful leisure.