Triggers & Conditioned Responses
Reflection on Substance Related Harms
Protective Factors
Risk Factors
Addiction & Harm Reduction Basics
100
This is the word for anything, a person, place, feeling, or situation that brings back a strong urge or emotional reaction connected to a past experience.
A trigger. Triggers happen due to our brains learning process.
100
What do you know about physical harms from substance use? What have you seen in your life?
more than 2 must answer
100
What type of protective factor involves having supportive friends, family members, coaches, or mentors you can talk to when you’re struggling?
A strong support system or positive relationships.
100
What risk factor involves being around friends or peers who use substances and encourage others to try them?
Peer pressure or substance-using peer groups.
100
What is harm reduction in relation to substance use?
Strategies that reduce the risks and negative consequences of substance use, whether someone stops using or not.
200
A famous scientist discovered conditioned responses by ringing a bell before feeding dogs, until the dogs started salivating just at the sound of the bell. Name the scientist
Ivan Pavlov, this is called Pavlovian or classical conditioning.
200
What are some academic harms that can occur due to substance use? What are some of your experiences with academic harms?
2 or more must answer
200
What personal skills help someone deal with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions without turning to substances?
Healthy coping skills (talking to someone, exercise, journaling, mindfulness, etc.).
200
Why can untreated stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles increase someone’s risk for substance use?
Someone may use substances to cope or self-medicate difficult emotions.
200
What is it called when someone stops using one substance but begins using another substance to cope or get similar effects?
Cross-addiction.
300
When someone who used to use drugs walks past a location where they used to use, they may feel a sudden craving, even years later. This is an example of what type of response?
A conditioned response, the brain has learned to associate that place with the drug.
300
2000 points!!!!
What are some long-term harms someone can experience if they continue to abuse substances?
normalization of legal issues, adult criminal record after age of 18 (felony charges), court mandated fines and fees, limits on financial aid and resources, etc.
300
How can having clear future goals (like college, a career, sports, or other ambitions) help protect someone from substance misuse?
Goals give motivation to avoid behaviors that could interfere with the future.
300
What risk factor occurs when drugs or alcohol are easy for someone to get at home, school, or through friends?
Easy access or availability of substances.
300
What is some non-drug related activities that can also become addictive?
Bonus 100 points: What is the name of these types of addictions?
Gambling, sex, video games, social media, etc.
Bonus: Process addiction (or behavioral addiction).
400
Name at least THREE common categories of triggers that can lead to cravings or emotional reactions in people trying to make changes in their life.
People, places, things (objects/smells/music), emotions (stress, boredom, loneliness, excitement), time of day, physical sensations. Any 3 accepted.
400
What are three social-emotional harms that can occur to someone of your age group if they abuse substances?
strained or broken relationships, isolation, increased anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem or self-worth, impaired emotional development (lack of coping skills), etc.
400
How can being involved in activities like sports, music, art, clubs, or hobbies act as a protective factor against substance use?
They provide structure, purpose, and healthy ways to cope with stress.
400
How can a lack of supportive adults, guidance, or supervision increase someone’s risk for substance use?
Without guidance or support, teens may have fewer boundaries and less help navigating challenges.
400
Name one way someone could practice harm reduction with a potentially addictive behavior like gaming, social media, or gambling.
Examples: setting time limits, taking breaks, balancing with other activities, or noticing when it interferes with responsibilities.
500
Why does conditioning to substances, like developing cravings or strong emotional reactions, tend to happen faster and stronger in teenagers than in adults?
teenagers show heightened dopamine reactivity which means the reward system is more sensitive. Teenage brains learn better.
500
What are some drug related harms that you have seen or experienced in your own life? (physical harm, academic, mental, social, et.)
More than one person must answer to receive points
500
What is one environmental protective factor that can reduce risk for substance use?
Examples: supportive family expectations, positive peer groups, clear rules/boundaries, or safe environments.
Bonus 100 points: What are your environmental protective factors?
500
Why does having several risk factors at the same time increase the chance of substance misuse?
Risk factors can build on each other, increasing stress, exposure, and likelihood of using substances.
Bonus 100 points: What are some risk factors you might be dealing with?
500
Why can replacing a substance addiction with another substance or behavior still be risky?
The underlying coping patterns or addiction cycle may continue, causing similar problems in different forms.