Parts of the Brain
What is the “feel-good chemical” that plays a big role in addiction?
Dopamine
What stage describes trying a drug for the first time?
Initiation (or Experimental Use)
Name one common reason people try substances.
Peer pressure, curiosity, coping with stress, etc.
What’s one protective factor that lowers risk of addiction?
Supportive family, healthy coping skills, positive friends, etc.
What is one common type of recovery support group?
AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, etc.
Which part of the brain controls decision-making and impulse control?
Frontal lobe
In which stage does using become part of a daily or weekly routine?
Regular Use
About what percentage of addiction risk is linked to genetics?
40–60%
True or False: Having goals and hobbies can protect someone from relapse.
True
What does “relapse prevention” mean?
Strategies to avoid returning to substance use.
Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
Cerebellum
At what stage do consequences like DUIs, fights, or missed work begin to appear?
Risky Use
Which brain chemical gets overstimulated by drugs, leading to cravings?
Dopamine
What type of community group (like AA/NA) is considered a protective factor?
Recovery support groups
True or False – The brain can heal over time in recovery.
True
Drugs flood the brain with dopamine. Over time, what happens to natural dopamine levels?
They decrease, making it hard to feel pleasure without the drug.
What stage is marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and needing the drug to function?
Dependence
What age group is most at risk if they start using substances?
Teenagers / young adults (because the brain is still developing)
What role does therapy or counseling play as a protective factor?
Helps build coping skills, address trauma/mental health, prevent relapse.
What’s one healthy activity that boosts natural dopamine in recovery?
Exercise, music, spending time with loved ones, helping others, etc.
Which brain area is most at risk during an overdose because it controls breathing and heartbeat?
Brainstem
What is the final stage, where there is a loss of control despite consequences?
Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)
Addiction is considered what type of condition by doctors and scientists?
A chronic brain disease
Name all three: What are the three main areas that influence addiction risk?
Genetics, Age, Environment
Name two types of professional treatment for addiction.
Inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, therapy, medication-assisted treatment, etc.