Stages of Change
What is the first stage of change in the Transtheoretical Model, where an individual does not yet recognize or acknowledge that their substance use is a problem?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the rewarding feelings associated with substance use, which gets hijacked and dysregulated during addiction?
Which evidence-based therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, thereby helping individuals develop coping skills to prevent relapse?
Which of the following is often considered one of the very first observable signs of progress in substance abuse treatment?
Triggers can stem from both internal and external sources. Which of the following is considered an external trigger?
Experiencing loneliness
Driving past a familiar bar where you used to drink
Having a stressful day at work
Experiencing a sudden headache
In which stage does an individual begin to recognize that their substance use is problematic, weighing the pros and cons of changing, but has not yet made a commitment to take action?
What term describes the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself, form new neural connections, and heal from the effects of substance abuse over the course of recovery?
Which client-centered counseling style is designed to enhance an individual's motivation to change by exploring and resolving their ambivalence toward substance use?
When a recovering individual utilizes newly learned healthy behaviors to deal with stress instead of relying on substances, they are demonstrating which sign of progress?
Cognitive reframing often follows a specific sequence. Which of the following is the standard method for effectively changing these behavioral patterns?
Which stage of change involves intending to take action in the immediate future (usually within the next month) and often taking small, initial steps toward behavior modification?
Which area of the brain, responsible for executive functions like decision making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, is often impaired during active addiction but gradually recovers with abstinence?
What is the term for the clinical approach that combines FDA-approved medications (such as buprenorphine or methadone) with behavioral counseling and psychosocial therapies to treat substance use disorders?
As a person progresses in recovery, they often experience an increased belief in their own ability to abstain from substances and overcome challenges. What is this psychological concept called?
Habit replacement is most successful when the new activity fulfills a similar psychological need. If substance use was originally a way to cope with social anxiety, which new habit would serve as a healthy replacement?
Going to a bar or nightclub
Isolating in your home
Joining a hobby club or sports team to build social confidence
going to a high-stress job interview
In this stage, individuals make specific, overt modifications in their lifestyles, actively working to overcome their addiction by changing their behavior, environment, and relationships.
During the early stages of recovery, an individual may experience heightened cravings and anxiety when exposed to cues associated with past substance use. Which brain structure, responsible for processing emotional responses and fear, is largely driving this reaction?
Which evidence-based behavioral treatment provides tangible, positive reinforcements—such as vouchers, privileges, or small prizes—to patients for engaging in recovery behaviors like submitting negative drug screens?
The acronym HALT is a popular tool in recovery for recognizing internal emotional states that can lead to cravings. What do the letters in HALT stand for?
Setting boundaries often involves saying "no" to people, places, or things that jeopardize your recovery. Which communication style is most effective and recommended for establishing healthy boundaries?
Passive
Aggressive
Assertive
Passive-Aggressive
The final stage of the Transtheoretical Model involves sustained change, actively working to prevent relapse, and consolidating the gains attained during previous stages. What is this stage called?
As a result of chronic substance use, the brain compensates for artificially high levels of neurotransmitters by reducing the number of available receptors. What is this adaptive process known as?
Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, which therapy is highly effective for treating substance use by teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation?
According to behavioral science, a habit consists of a cue, a routine, and a reward. If the cue is feeling lonely at night, and the old routine was using substances, which of the following is a healthy habit replacement?
Attending an evening support group meeting to connect with others
Watching TV alone in the dark
Calling up an old using buddy
Working longer hours without breaks
In a comprehensive relapse prevention plan, relapses do not happen suddenly; they are often preceded by a series of smaller warning signs. Which of the following is an example of an early warning sign?
gradually isolating yourself
having a sudden craving
calling your sponsor immediately when you are struggling
attending a therapy session or going to a meeting