A
True or False:
Substance use rose considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic.
True.
The pandemic occurred at the same time we saw overdose deaths rise to their highest level.
During COVID, the US also saw a significant increase in substance use across the board.
Why?
“The opposite of addiction is connection,” COVID resulted in isolation and connections were lost, leaving individuals in recovery vulnerable.
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/8-facts-about-addiction-and-recovery
True or False:
In early recovery, you're passed the discovery phase.
False.
individuals in early recovery may not understand everything about themselves or their substance use, coping mechanisms, and relationship patterns.
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/gratitude-early-recovery
True or false:
A relapse, or a setback, marks the end of an individual's recovery.
FALSE!
Many people view a relapse as a failure, but in the context of addiction, it’s often a part of the recovery process.
Relapse rates for addiction are similar to those of other chronic diseases, highlighting the need for ongoing treatment and support. Each relapse is an opportunity to learn and adjust the treatment plan.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
True or False:
You will miss using drugs and drinking.
True.
You might think that as soon as you get sober, the mental obsession will slip away. In time, it will. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be relaxing on the beach one day and think to yourself, “I could go for a cold beer right about now.” Acknowledge that occasional thoughts like these are normal and move on (don’t beat yourself up).
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Self-forgiveness is helpful, but not necessary.
False!
Self-forgiveness will be huge. It will also take time. Beating yourself up when you backtrack or make a little mistake will be counter productive. Remind yourself that you are human, and that you’re allowed to mess up from time to time.
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Addiction treatment isn’t about having the “will power” to stop.
True.
You’d never tell a person to use will power to lower their high blood pressure, and it isn’t a relevant factor in addiction care either.
Addiction is a complex condition that impacts the way the brain and body function.
It cannot be thought away or reasoned against.
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/8-facts-about-addiction-and-recovery
True or False:
Comparing one's own recovery journey to that of their peers is helpful.
False!
Maybe your friend only needs five Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week in order to stay stable in his or her recovery. Maybe you need three. Maybe you need seven. Don’t compare, find your own way!
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Early intervention results in earlier remission.
True.
The earlier that substance use disorder is detected and treated, the shorter the time to reach full sustained remission.
True or False:
You will need to be on the lookout for substitute addictions in early recovery.
True.
Those in early recovery will often turn to unhealthy behaviors that are actually serving as substitute addictions.
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Without gratitude, life is endless work with no real meaning and no detectable results.
True.
With gratitude, you can sense how far you've come and where you might go next. Your energy tank refills. You feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment for all your hard work and good intentions.
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/gratitude-early-recovery
True or False:
Having friends who are not in recovery is a good thing.
True.
Remember that balance is good, and that there’s nothing wrong with having friends outside of your recovery circle so long as they actively support your recovery.
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Adolescents are more susceptible to addiction.
True.
Since the adolescent brain is still developing, it is more vulnerable to the effects of drugs and alcohol.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
True or False:
Everyone's recovery journey is the same.
False.
Every single journey of recovery will be different. What works for someone might not work for you.
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Addiction is an isolated disease, meaning that it only affects the individual impacted by the disease.
False.
Addiction is not just an individual struggle; it significantly affects families, friends, and communities. Families can experience emotional distress, and shared finances may suffer, potentially leading to poverty or bankruptcy.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
True or False:
People with addictions never feel isolated.
False.
Many individuals grappling with addiction often face a profound sense of isolation. This is largely due to the societal stigma attached to substance use, which can lead to feelings of shame and fear of judgment.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
True or False:
Once addiction is treated, an individual is free from further addiction.
False.
Much like chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, addiction cannot be “cured” with a one-time treatment.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
True or False:
Dependence does not makes drug use feel normal.
False.
Chronic substance use alters the brain’s chemistry, causing the body to become accustomed to the presence of the drug. As a result, the absence of the drug can cause discomfort or even physical illness, leading to further substance use.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
True or False:
A substitute addiction could include excessive sleeping, unhealthy eating, and even spending an extended amount of time at the gym.
True.
Trading one addiction for another is not typically a noticeable change and individuals should be on the lookout and change these behaviors if they arise!
True or False:
Making friendships with other individuals in recovery can be helpful.
True.
Sober friends, friends who can offer you support for issues that others might not be able to relate to. However, keep a healthy balance from both friends in recovery and out of recovery!
https://www.intrepidrecovery.com/15-things-about-addiction-recovery-that-may-surprise-you/
True or False:
Addiction is a disease.
True.
Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw or a manifestation of moral weakness. It’s a complicated condition that affects the brain, leading to an uncontrollable urge to use substances despite their harmful effects.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
Multiple choice:
Addiction ___________.
a. starts only during the teen years.
b. starts only in one's later years.
c. can happen at any stage in life.
C. Addiction can happen at any stage in life.
Addiction is a complex disease that can strike at any stage in life. While early exposure to drugs and alcohol can heighten the risk of developing an addiction, it’s crucial to understand that no age group is immune.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
Multiple choice:
Addiction can _________ the strongest friendships.
a. improve
b. strain
c. build
B. Addiction can strain the strongest friendships.
Addiction can also strain friendships due to trust issues arising from the unpredictable behavior associated with substance use.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
Multiple choice:
Addiction education is ____________ to help fight stigma.
a. key
b. ok
c. a waste of time
A. Addiction education is key to help fight stigma.
There are many misconceptions about addiction, fueling stigma and misunderstanding. Educating oneself and others about the realities of addiction can help break down stereotypes, promote empathy, and encourage more effective policies and treatments.
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/10-facts-about-addiction/
Multiple choice:
__________ will be a necessary part of your recovery, always.
a. Gratitude
b. Attitude
c. Frustration
A. Gratitude will be a necessary part of your recovery, always.
Gratitude plays a crucial role in recovery, fostering resilience, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being.
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/gratitude-early-recovery
Multiple choice:
Gratitude can __________ mental health.
a. decrease positive
b. benefit
c. be harmful to
B. Gratitude can benefit mental health.
Gratitude and positive psychology have been demonstrated to:
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/gratitude-early-recovery