Depressants
The most commonly used depressant.
Alcohol
A person who supports recovery and models healthy behavior.
Sponsor/Support Person/Counselor.
Name your support person(s).
The brain chemical strongly linked to pleasure and reward.
Dopamine
This slogan reminds us to focus only on today, not forever.
One day at a time.
How does this slogan resonate with you?
Describe 3 negative effects of substance use.
Good job!
A class of depressants often prescribed for anxiety or sleep but highly addictive.
Benzodiazepines.
Tools work best when they are used this way
Consistently
A system in the brain that is activated when we experience something rewarding.
The Reward Pathway.
How does this relate to addiction?
A slogan that reminds us emotions don’t always tell the truth.
Feelings are not facts.
Over time, a person may need more of the substance to achieve a desired effect—this is called:
Tolerance.
Short-term effects of depressants are... (name 2)
Loss of memory, euphoria, impaired judgement, confusion, irritability, slurred speech, muscle relaxation, slowed heart rate, sedation, paranoia, decreased inhibitions, etc.
Waiting out a craving without acting on it is called
Urge Surfing
The brain can continue healing for months to years through this process.
Neuroplasticity
Nothing changes if....
Nothing changes
The process of ridding your system of a substance, often accompanied by negative symptoms including nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, dizziness, and sweats.
Withdrawal
People often transition from narcotic pain medication to this drug.
Heroin
Playing out consequences before using is known as
Playing the tape through.
This part of the brain becomes less active during substance use, leading to poor choices.
The prefrontal cortex.
H.A.L.T
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. Why is it important to remember these circumstances?
This term describes the body’s dangerous response when substances overwhelm vital systems.
Overdose
Drinking too much alcohol can impair this organ, which is responsible for filtering toxins from your blood.
The liver.
What’s a good strategy when dealing with social pressure to use substances?
Politely decline and suggest an alternative activity, or remove yourself from the situation.
This part of the brain is primarily responsible for memory.
Hippocampus
This slogan reminds us recovery works when we stay engaged and consistent.
It works if you work it.
A phenomenon of relatively milder, but persistently troublesome withdrawal symptoms that linger in some individuals, sometimes up to 2 years.
PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome).
Share what you know about PAWS.