Basics of Addiction
This term describes the strong desire to use a substance despite harmful consequences.
What is addiction?
This part of the brain helps you make decisions and can be affected by addiction.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This substance, found in cigarettes, is highly addictive.
What is nicotine?
This form of therapy involves a supportive community of peers in recovery working together to stay sober.
What is group therapy?
This group helps people stay sober by sharing their experiences and supporting each other.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
This brain chemical makes you feel good and is linked to the pleasure you feel from using substances.
What is dopamine?
This part of the brain is involved in feeling pleasure and is often called the brain’s “reward center.”
What is the nucleus accumbens?
This type of drug includes heroin and prescription painkillers and can be very addictive
What are opioids?
This medication is used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a high.
What is methadone?
This professional guides individuals through their recovery by offering therapeutic support
What is a therapist or counselor?
This is the process your brain goes through when it needs more of a substance to get the same effect.
What is tolerance?
This area helps you remember things and can be affected by alcohol and drugs
What is the hippocampus?
This commonly abused substance can lead to liver damage and affects the GABA and glutamate systems in the brain.
Low levels of GABA are connected to anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia. Too much glutamate can damage or kill brain cells, leading to problems like stroke, epilepsy, and diseases like Alzheimer's.
What is alcohol?
This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
Daily Double!!
This type of living environment provides a safe place for people in recovery.
Part II Who is our discharge planner here at Pinnacle Newport News?
What is a sober living home/step down program?
Mya
This is what happens when your body feels sick or uncomfortable because it doesn’t have the substance it’s used to.
What is withdrawal?
This brain region regulates your emotions and can be overly active in addiction.
What is the amygdala?
This stimulant drug increases dopamine release and can lead to severe cardiovascular and neurological damage with prolonged use.
What is methamphetamine (meth)?
This approach involves the use of medications, such as naltrexone or buprenorphine, along with counseling and behavioral therapies.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
This type of support comes from friends and family who help you stay on track
What is a support network?
This neurotransmitter is involved in mood regulation and is often targeted by antidepressants.
What is serotonin?
This brain structure is important for processing rewards and pleasure.
What is the ventral tegmental area (VTA)?
This class of drugs, often used to treat ADHD, has a high potential for abuse and works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels.
What are stimulants (e.g., amphetamines)?
This model of addiction treatment emphasizes the role of the brain's chemistry and neurobiology in understanding and treating addiction.
What is the neurobiological model of addiction?
("brain disease model" of addiction)
This concept involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health to support recovery.
What is self-care?