Addiction 101
What chemical in the brain is linked to pleasure and reward that gets flooded during addiction
What is dopamine
Name one healthy coping skill you can use instead of using a substance
breathing, walking, calling a friend, music, etc
Which brain part acts like an “alarm system” and detects threats or triggers?
amygdala
The brain chemical linked to reward and motivation is called what?
dopamine?
Name one daily habit that helps the brain recover.
exercise / mindfulness / sleep / healthy eating
True or False: Addiction can physically change the size and function of parts of the brain
TRUE
f you avoid all your triggers without learning how to handle them, is relapse risk still possible
yes
Which brain part helps control impulses and make long-term plans?
prefrontal cortex
True or False: Dopamine is bad for you.
False
True or False: The brain can heal and grow new pathways in recovery.
True
Name one thing that addiction does to the prefrontal cortex
weakens decision-making / impulse control
What does PFC stand for?
What is Prefrontal Cortex?
Which brain part stores memories linked to drug use?
hippocampus
Which brain circuit gets hijacked by addiction to make you crave more?
reward pathway/reward system
What’s the term for “riding out” a craving instead of acting on it?
urge surfing
What is the term for your brain craving a substance because it remembers the feeling it gave you
TRIGGER
Name one non-drug thing that can still activate your brain’s reward system.
exercise / eating / playing games / music
Which brain part gets smaller from chronic stress and substance use but can regrow?
hippocampus
In a healthy brain, dopamine levels return to normal after a reward. What happens in addiction?
the brain produces less dopamine naturally and craves more
Name one way mindfulness can help in recovery.
strengthens self-control / calms amygdala / reduces cravings
The idea that the brain can rewire itself and form new pathways is called what?
neuroplasticity
Which brain part stores emotional memories and is key in remembering drug use cues?
What is the hippocampus?
Which brain part gets overactive with constant triggers and can cause anxiety or cravings?
amygdala
Which 3 brain parts are most involved in addiction’s reward system?
amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex
Why is social connection important in recovery?
boosts oxytocin, reduces cravings, and provides support