The Disease of Addiction
"A chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences and long-lasting changes in the brain"
OR
A brain disease that causes long-lasting changes in the balance of brain chemicals.
page 9 workbook
________ are nerve cells that help carry information in the brain. The brain is made up of billions of them and they communicate with each other using chemical messages. The chemical messengers are called ________.
Neurons, neurotransmitters
page 39
What is the most widely abused drug in the United States?
Addiction is a brain _________ that is ________, _________, and __________, and can be __________.
disease
chronic, progressive, genetic, fatal
refer to pages 3 and 8 in workbook for answer
Name the 6 stages of change.
Pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse.
(page 115)
What type of risk factors includes being neglected or having family conflict/instability?
Developmental
page 12
The area in the brain where the good feelings come from.
Pleasure pathway
page 40
These substances change the way we perceive our surroundings, thoughts, and feelings.
hallucinogens (page 59)
___________ is more that just getting sober- it is a lifelong journey of personal growth and change.
Recovery
see page 8 in the workbook
In this stage of change we are actively attending meetings, asking for feedback, have daily routines, and challenge distorted thinking.
Action stage (page 116)
What is a co-occurring disorder?
Having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder
Page 13
Using a substance, we weren't addicted to while in recovery because we believe it won't affect our recovery when in reality it often leads to a relapse is an example of what?
Cross-addiction
page 44
130 people die in the US each day from these type of overdoses according to the CDC?
Opioids (page 60)
Another term for addiction used by professionals.
Substance use disorder
Page 11
In this stage of change we think we are different from others and can "handle it".
Contemplation stage (page 116)
There are 3 phases of addiction. In which phase does one experience blackouts? In which one does one experience feeling depressed, anxious sad, and fearful?
Phase 1 and phase 3
page 24
The brains reward system
The basal ganglia
page 45
This substance can cause effects such as poor sense of time, dry mouth, and possibly hallucinations.
Cannabis (page 62)
We often get stuck in 3 ways of thinking that can keep us stuck in addiction. What are they?
Denial, self-obsession, and irrational thinking (page 70)
Grieving the loss of alcohol and other drugs is centered around these 3 areas:
1. realizing we can't drink or use drugs anymore
2. the "death" of our drug/crime-related life
3. fear of change: not knowing who we'll be without alcohol or other drugs.
(page 120)
When does recovery begin?
How many phases of recovery are there and name them in order.
The first time we acknowledge we are addicted to alcohol or other drugs and become abstinent.
Early, middle, late, maintenance
Page 26 (side note)
page 27
PAWS has __ categories of symptoms. What are they?
How long can PAWS last before a person is feeling better?
6; difficulty thinking clearly, difficulty managing emotions, difficulty remembering things, difficulty sleeping, problems with physical coordination, stress sensitivity
(page 51)
PAWS can last MANY months or UP to 2 years (page 52)
This substance can cause effects such as dilated pupils, jerky movements, seizure/coma, gum disease, heart problems.
Stimulants (page 62-63)
When we are in ______ we refuse to accept the truth about our addiction and what is really happening. When we are self-obsessed, we become _________. Then we become _______ because we are avoiding accepting the truth that we have an addiction.
Denial (page 70)
self-centered (page 71)
Irrational (page 71)
What is the difference between sobriety and recovery?
Sobriety is quitting the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Recovery is becoming physically, mentally, and spiritually healthier. It involves rebuilding trust with family/friends, and forming new, healthy, daily habits.
(page 113)