Substance Effects
What part of the body does alcohol primarily affect?
The brain
What is a trigger?
A situation, person, or emotion that tempts someone to use substances.
What is the first step in solving a problem?
Identifying the problem
Name one emotion that can trigger substance use
Stress or anger
What is the first stage of change?
Pre-contemplation
What happens to your reaction time when you consume cannabis?
It slows down
Name one internal trigger
Stress, boredom, or anger
What’s one way substance use can make problem-solving harder?
It clouds judgment and adds additional challenges
What is one technique to calm yourself during stress?
Deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
In which stage does someone start thinking about making a change?
Contemplation
What are the risks of combining alcohol and cannabis?
Increased impairment in judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
What is one strategy to avoid triggers?
Deep breathing, mindfulness, or creating a physical distance from the trigger
Name one tool used in problem-solving
Brainstorming solutions
Name one activity that helps build emotional resilience
Exercise, journaling, or practicing gratitude
What does the Action stage involve?
Actively taking steps to change habits
Name one long-term health effect of excessive alcohol use
Liver damage (or heart disease, cancer).
What is the purpose of a relapse prevention plan?
To prepare strategies to handle high-risk situations and maintain progress.
How does accountability help in problem-solving?
It encourages ownership of decisions and learning from mistakes
How can anger be used constructively?
Channeling it into setting boundaries or advocating for yourself
What is the goal of the Maintenance stage?
Sustaining changes over time and avoiding relapse
What is the primary risk associated with opioids?
Dependency and life-threatening overdose.
What is the first step in building a relapse prevention plan?
Identifying personal triggers
Why is problem-solving important for avoiding substance use?
It helps handle challenges directly instead of turning to substances as a coping mechanism
What is emotional regulation?
Managing emotions in a healthy and constructive way
Why is the Stages of Change model helpful?
It helps people understand where they are in their journey and plan accordingly