Addiction & Brain
This neurotransmitter is often called the “feel-good” chemical because it plays a significant role in pleasure and reward pathways in the brain. What is it called?
Dopamine
hat is one of the most common physical effects of smoking?
Lung cancer
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, what is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States?
Marijuana
This mental health disorder is often co-occurring with substance abuse and is characterized by excessive feelings of sadness and hopelessness. d?
Depression
In this early stage of addiction recovery, individuals acknowledge the impact of their addiction and are often ready to begin making changes.
Contemplation
Which brain structure is heavily involved in decision-making and impulse control, and its impairment can contribute to addictive behavior?
The prefrontal cortex
Which psychological effect is often seen in individuals with addiction, where they continue the addictive behavior despite negative consequences?
Denial
What percentage of individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction are also affected by another mental health disorder?
Around 37%
eople with this anxiety disorder often experience panic attacks, which may lead them to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. This treatment method combines therapy and medication to help individuals manage opioid addiction, aiming to reduce cravings and avoid relapse. What is this approach called?
Panic disorder
In this stage of addiction recovery, individuals may go through a formal treatment program or detoxification process to help rid the body of substances.
Detoxification
Addiction causes permanent damage to the brain, making recovery impossible. True or False?
False (While addiction can cause significant changes in the brain, with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, many brain functions can recover over time.)
Long-term drug abuse can lead to a decrease in what important brain function, often causing problems with memory and learning?
Cognitive function
As of 2021, approximately how many people in the United States have struggled with a substance use disorder?
20 million
This mental health condition involves an overwhelming compulsion to engage in certain behaviors, such as gambling or shopping, which can be addictive.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
This part of the recovery process focuses on long-term strategies to prevent relapse, including regular support meetings and healthy lifestyle changes.
Maintenance
This condition, often linked to addiction, is characterized by the inability to feel pleasure or interest in activities that were once enjoyable. What is it called?
Anhedonia
What term refers to the brain’s reduced response to a drug over time, often leading to increased usage and a higher tolerance?
Tolerance
Every year, about 1 in 10 people in the U.S. suffer from a substance use disorder, but only about __ in __ of them receive treatment.
1 in 5
This is a co-occurring disorder that involves the use of substances to manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) with PTSD
In this stage of recovery, individuals actively rebuild their relationships, improve their self-esteem, and learn how to deal with stress and triggers without resorting to substance use.
Early recovery (or Action stage)
In addiction, what process occurs when the brain becomes reliant on a substance to function normally, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms?
Neuroadaptation
In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than _____ drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S., which averages out to about ____ deaths per day for the year. However, this number includes deaths from all causes of overdose, not just those directly related to addiction alone.
109,000 /// 300
What is the estimated global economic cost of alcohol misuse, considering healthcare, lost productivity, and crime?
Over $1 trillion annually
This mental health disorder, often diagnosed alongside addiction, involves distorted thinking, delusions, and hallucinations.
Schizophrenia
This term refers to a brief, temporary return to substance use or addictive behavior, often seen as a minor setback in the recovery process.
Lapse