STIMULANTS
This neurotransmitter is flooded by stimulants and controls pleasure and motivation.
What is dopamine?
This neurotransmitter is increased by depressants and slows brain activity.
What is GABA?
Opioids bind to these receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce euphoria.
What are opioid receptors?
This neurotransmitter system is primarily affected by classic hallucinogens.
What is the serotonin system?
This brain system is directly affected by THC.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
Inhalants primarily harm the brain by reducing this.
What is oxygen?
This body system goes into “fight or flight” when stimulants are used.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This organ is primarily damaged by long-term alcohol use.
What is the liver?
This body function is slowed during an opioid overdose.
What is breathing (respiration)?
This symptom involves seeing or feeling things that aren’t there.
What are hallucinations?
This brain area related to memory is impaired by cannabis use.
What is the hippocampus?
This makes inhalants dangerous even with first-time use.
What is sudden death risk?
This long-term brain effect explains why people feel depressed and unmotivated after stopping stimulants.
What is dopamine depletion?
This dangerous withdrawal symptom can occur with alcohol or benzodiazepines.
What are seizures?
This explains why opioid cravings feel physical, not just mental.
What is physical dependence?
This long-term condition involves flashbacks after hallucinogen use.
What is HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder)?
This long-term effect explains “feeling stuck” in recovery.
What is decreased motivation?
This type of damage caused by inhalants may be permanent.
What is brain damage?
This serious mental health condition can occur with chronic stimulant use, especially meth.
What is stimulant-induced psychosis?
This brain effect explains rebound anxiety after stopping depressants.
What is reduced natural calming ability of the brain?
This system is disrupted long-term, causing fatigue and low libido.
What is the endocrine (hormonal) system?
This substance is especially associated with aggression and cognitive damage.
What is PCP?
This mental health symptom can worsen with high-THC products.
What is anxiety or panic?
This body system failure is common with long-term inhalant use.
What is organ failure?
In recovery, this symptom can last for weeks to months due to brain recalibration.
What is anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)?
This withdrawal condition from alcohol can be life-threatening and requires medical
What is delirium tremens (DTs)?
This evidence-based treatment significantly reduces opioid overdose deaths.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Clients with this mental health history are at higher risk of harm from hallucinogens.
What is a history of psychosis or severe trauma?
This diagnosis describes problematic cannabis use despite consequences.
What is Cannabis Use Disorder?
This recovery focus is critical due to impulsive use patterns.
What is safety planning?
This is why early recovery often feels emotionally and physically uncomfortable, even when someone is doing “everything right.”
What is the brain and nervous system recalibrating after substance use?