Science and Addiction
The "thrill of the almost win" is very addictive to the human brain. We see this most clearly in this behavioral addiction, whether it be with cards, dice, or slot machines.
Gambling
This emotion can be described as an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and often includes anticipation, dread, or worry about future events.
Anxiety
When attending one of this iconic peer-led recovery program's groups, you may find yourself reading from "The Big Book."
Alcoholics Anonymous/ AA
Quitting a physically addictive substance can sometimes bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms-- sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Withdrawals
Often consumed as a fermented beverage, this is the oldest known intoxicating substance used specifically for recreational purposes (even dating back to prehistoric times)
Alcohol
Whatever the substance or behavior is, once addiction to that substance occurs for long enough this important organ drastically changes the way it functions
Brain
This mental health disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania and depression.
Bipolar Disorder
Both Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention and Recovery Dharma utilize this practice of focusing one's attention on breath as a key tool for recovery.
Meditation.
Requiring more and more of a substance to get the same effect; this often fuels the desire and need for using larger amounts.
Tolerance
Class of drugs used medicinally for thousands of years to relieve physical pain. Nowadays widespread abuse of this class of drugs is considered a public health crisis.
Opiates/Opioids
This neurotransmitter is closely linked to the mind's reward system and is commonly associated with pleasure and reinforcement.
Dopamine
Many people with addiction also carry a diagnosis of PTSD. The acronym PTSD stands for:
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
This evidence-based approach to maintaining recovery from addiction involves identifying triggers and warning signs and then developing specific coping strategies to avoid a return to negative behaviors.
Relapse Prevention
Failure to recognize the truth about a problem, particularly an addiction, is often referred to as this.
Denial
This legal substance is highly addictive, widely used, and generally socially accepted. In fact, a famous commercial even refers to is as "the best part of waking up."
Coffee (caffeine)
These hormones often referred to as the "feel-good" hormones, are released during activities that promote well-being, like exercise, laughter, creative expression, and socialization
Endorphins
Feelings such as hopelessness and worthlessness are commonly associated with this low mood state, but it can also include reduced ability to concentrate, poor hygiene, and isolation.
Depression
This skills-based form of treatment used in substance use and mental health recovery focuses on identifying and changing thinking patterns to help change feelings and negative behaviors (Hint: also known as CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
They say relapse doesn’t suddenly happen out of nowhere – It’s not an event, it is often much more of a gradual _____
Process
This behavioral addiction is considered one the most challenging to treat, because it cannot be quit entirely.
Food/Eating
This highly advanced and complex area of the human brain is associated with decision-making and impulse control, and is strongly impacted by addiction and intoxication
Prefrontal Cortex
Positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia and negative symptoms such as flat affect and slowed movement characterize this diagnosis.
Schizophrenia
This approach to addiction recovery focuses on minimizing the negative consequences associated with active substance use by providing tools, strategies, resources, and supports to reduce the risks and dangers associated with that use.
Harm Reduction
Terms such as tolerance, cravings, and chemical dependence are most closely associated with this theory of addiction.
What is the disease theory of addiction?
Cocaine, speed, methamphetamine, and even prescription stimulates when taken for long periods can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoid delusions called:
Psychosis/ Substance-induced psychosis