Addiction Neuroscience 101
This process describes how the brain can heal and form new pathways during recovery.
👉 What is neuroplasticity
One way MAT supports relapse prevention is by reducing these two physical drivers of use.
👉 What are cravings and withdrawal symptoms?
This coping strategy helps calm the nervous system by intentionally focusing on what is happening right now in the body and environment.
👉 What is grounding?
Internal triggers often start where?
👉 What are your thoughts
Recovery means more than just abstinence. True or False?
👉 True
Which system in the brain becomes overactive during stress and increases relapse risk?
👉 What is the amygdala / stress response system
Name one medication used to treat opioid use disorder.
👉 Methadone, Buprenorphine/Suboxone, or Naltrexone
Why does relapse risk increase when someone relies on only one coping skill?
👉 Because that skill may not work in every situation, increasing stress and impulsive use.
Cravings usually peak and fall within how long if not acted on?
👉 About 20–30 minutes
Name one benefit of peer or group support in recovery.
👉 Connection, accountability, shared experience
This part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and impulse control and is weakened in active addiction.
👉 What is the prefrontal cortex?
True or False: MAT replaces one addiction with another.
👉 False – it stabilizes brain chemistry and reduces overdose risk.
Why are coping skills important in early recovery?
👉 Because substances were used to cope before—skills replace that.
What does HALT stand for?
👉 Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
What’s one reason shame makes addiction worse?
👉 It increases isolation and stress, which fuels use.
Why do cues (people, places, emotions) trigger cravings even after detox?
👉 Because addiction hijacks the brain’s learning and memory pathways.
MAT helps reduce cravings by doing what to the brain?
👉 Stabilizing receptors and reducing withdrawal and compulsive use.
What’s the difference between distraction and avoidance?
👉 Distraction is temporary and intentional; avoidance keeps problems stuck.
Relapse is best described as what?
👉 A process, not a single event.
What’s one example of a “protective factor” in recovery?
👉 Housing, routine, support, MAT, therapy, purpose
Stress increases relapse risk because it activates this brain system.
👉 What is the survival/stress (fight-or-flight) system / amygdala?
MAT is most effective when combined with what?
👉 Counseling, support, coping skills, and recovery planning.
What does CBT teach us?
👉 That our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and changing thoughts and behaviors can change how we feel.
Name two early warning signs that someone may be moving toward relapse.
👉 Isolation, skipping treatment, romanticizing use, increased stress, dishonesty, routine breakdown
Recovery strengthens this brain ability that helps people pause and make safer choices.
👉 What is impulse control / executive functioning?