Facts & Statistics
True or False: In 2022, reported use of any illicit drug within the past year increased compared to pre-pandemic levels for American students of all grade levels.
False: In 2022, reported use of any illicit drug within the past year remained at or significantly below pre-pandemic levels for American students in all grade levels.
What is the term that defines a chronic, relapsing brain disease categorized by a physical and psychological dependence on substances or a behavior?
Addiction
Define the term: Relapse Trigger
A relapse trigger is an emotional, environmental or social situation that drags up memories of drug or alcohol use in the past, which can lead to an impulse to use the substance again.
True or False: Relapse won't happen after someone is sober for 10 or more years.
False: Relapse can happen at any time, no matter the length of one's sobriety.
Name a coping skill that can help to regulate one's emotions.
Any coping skill is acceptable!
What is one of three of the most commonly reported substance used by adolescents in 2021?
Alcohol, nicotine vaping, or cannabis.
Name one of the five drugs that is most common for addiction.
Nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
Name one substance use relapse trigger.
Negative or positive emotional states
Friends, locations, or events that may tempt
Exposure and/or easy access to substances
Seeing or sensing an object of addiction
Social isolation
Stressful situations (such as financial, relationship, or physical problems)
Social pressures to use
Using other substances
Name one way to prevent or avoid a relapse.
Identify and be aware of triggers
Connect with your social support system
Avoid people and places that may tempt you
Attend therapy and/or support groups
Avoid exposure and environments with easy access to substances
What is the name of this popular support group that involves 12 steps to help people maintain sobriety?
Over [blank] million Americans age 12 or older have substance problems.
40 million
Define the term "tolerance" in regard to substance use.
Tolerance occurs when larger amounts of substances are required to achieve the desired effects, ultimately escalating the nature of the addiction.
What is a trigger or sign indicating that someone may relapse?
Overconfident or self-pitying attitude
Dishonesty
Hanging out with people or in environments that may be tempting
Changes in personal hygiene, sleep, or appetite
Sudden changes in routine
Going through a major life transition
Engaging in irresponsible or dangerous behavior
Name one way to help to maintain sobriety.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, rest, and exercise.
Implement HALT
Regularly connect with your support system and reach out when support is needed
Create healthy habits
Attend support groups and/or therapy
Name one way AA or NA helps those with substance abuse or addiction issues.
Peer accountability (e.g. Sponsors)
Coping skills to maintain sobriety
Network of supportive people
Helps you to change your relationship with alcohol and/or substances
Helps to develop a sense of purpose
What percentage of all American high school students currently use addictive substances?
46%
Name 3 ways a substance use addiction may be diagnosed?
Lack of control
Desire to limit use
Time spent trying to acquire substance
Cravings
Lack of responsibility
Problems with role obligations (occupation, relationships, self-care)
Loss of interest in social/recreational activities in favor of substances
Using in hazardous/dangerous situations
Choosing to worsen situations despite knowing (physical or psychological illness)
Tolerance increases
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
How can practicing relaxation help when experiencing a relapse trigger?
Practicing relaxation may help someone to be relaxed in future challenging situations as well as help to reduce overall stress in one's life. This can help someone to reduce or eliminate the temptation and impulse to use a substance.
How does connecting with your social support system help to prevent relapse of substance use?
A social support system can create a sense of inclusion, security, belongingness, and safety to help people cope with psychological issues, discover their life's purpose/meaning, maintain hope and optimism, and deal with shame.
Name the national helpline service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
What percent of all American high school students have used addictive substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine?
75%
What is the difference between these two terms as it relates to substance abuse: "Dependence" and "Addiction"
A dependence is present when users develop a physical tolerance to a substance, whereas addiction occurs when extensive substance use has caused a person’s brain chemistry to change.
How can low self-efficacy affect someone's ability to cope with a relapse trigger?
Self-efficacy is confidence in your ability to succeed in a certain area. People with low self-efficacy in their abilities to stay sober have a higher risk of relapsing, while those with a sense of mastery over their sobriety are more likely to cope effectively
What does the acronym HALT stand for?
HALT stands for Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness.
It serves as a memorable way to conduct a self-assessment and address any of these feelings you may have before they get out unmanageable. HALT helps to keep you physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the triggers and situations one may face.
Name one way to help break the chain of addiction.
Self-motivation (having a desire to get better)
Seek counseling (individual and/or group)
Taking prescribed medication
Enrolling in a treatment program (inpatient and outpatient facilities)
Maintaining recovery through aftercare