Substance Use Behaviors
This word describes when someone keeps using a substance even when it causes problems in their life.
What is Addiction
People in this stage aren’t thinking about change yet.
They might not see their behavior as a problem or may feel pressured by others to change.
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Precontemplation
Example: “I’ve stopped using, and I’m sticking to my plan.”
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Action
In the ____ state of mind, emotions are in control, and thoughts, actions, and decisions are driven mostly by how you feel in the moment—such as anger, fear, excitement, or sadness—rather than by facts or long-term goals.
What is Emotional
A ___ includes the people who understand, encourage, and help someone stay substance-free.
It can include friends, family, mentors, peers in recovery, or organized groups like support meetings.
What is support community
This chemical in the brain creates pleasurable feelings, modulates motivation, and plays a big role in addiction.
What is Dopamine
A person starts to realize there may be a problem, but they feel unsure or conflicted about changing.
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Contemplation
Example: “I know this isn’t good for me, but I’m not ready to stop.”
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Contemplation
The ____ state of mind is the part of you that relies on logic, facts, and thinking things through.
It’s calm, controlled, and focused on problem-solving—sometimes too focused on logic and not enough on feelings.
What is Reasonable
A ___ is a strong, often sudden urge or desire to use a substance. It can feel physical, emotional, or both, and it happens because the brain has learned to expect the substance and signals the body when it wants it.
What is craving
This term means needing more of a substance over time to get the same effect.
What is Tolerance
The person decides they want to make a change and begins planning how to do it.
They might research support options, talk to someone they trust, or set a small goal.
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Preparation
Example: “I don’t think my substance use is a big deal.”
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Precontemplation
This is the balance between Emotional Mind and Reasonable Mind.
Wise Mind uses both your feelings and your logic to make the healthiest, most grounded decisions.
It’s the part of you that “just knows” what’s right for you.
What is Wise Mind
A ___ is anything that makes a person suddenly think about or want to use a substance.
It can be a situation, a feeling, a memory, a person, or even a smell—anything that reminds the brain of past substance use.
What is trigger
This is the uncomfortable experience the body has when a person stops using an addictive substance.
What is Withdrawal
The goal here is to keep the change going over time.
This stage focuses on preventing relapse and building healthier habits for the long term.
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Maintenance
Example: “I want to cut back—what’s my first step?”
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Preparation
Taking a break from an argument because you know you’ll say something hurtful. This is an example of acting from the ____ state of mind.
What is Wise
Addiction is considered a ___ that affects a person's brain and behavior. It changes how the brain works—especially the parts that control reward, stress, decision-making, and self-control—making it much harder for a person to stop using a substance even when they want to.
What is disease
This term describes the “learning and memory” part of addiction—when the brain starts linking a substance with good feelings, making cravings stronger, and leading to increased substance use and associated behaviors.
What is Progression.
They’ve started actively making changes.
This may include avoiding triggers, using healthy coping skills, attending counseling, or seeking support.
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Action
Example: “I slipped, but I know what I need to work on.”
Pick one: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse
What is Relapse
Saying something you don’t mean because you’re hurt or upset. This is an example of the ____ state of mind.
What is Emotional
A ___ l is a healthy strategy a person uses to handle stress, emotions, or cravings without turning to substances.
It helps someone stay in control, feel better, and manage tough moments safely.
What is coping skill / tool