Science of Addiction
This neurotransmitter surges during substance use and reinforces repeated behavior through reward learning.
What is dopamine?
This depressant slows the central nervous system and impairs coordination and judgment.
What is alcohol?
Growing up in a household with substance use increases this type of risk for developing addiction.
What is environmental risk?
This level of care involves structured therapy multiple times per week without overnight stay.
What is IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)?
This belief suggests addiction is simply a lack of willpower rather than a chronic condition.
What is a common myth about addiction?
Chronic substance use weakens this brain area responsible for impulse control and long-term planning.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This class of drugs includes heroin and prescription painkillers and carries high overdose risk.
What are opioids?
Untreated depression or anxiety can increase vulnerability to this behavior pattern.
What is substance use?
This evidence-based therapy helps individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
What is CBT?
This idea falsely claims people must lose everything before they can recover.
What is the 'rock bottom' myth?
This process explains why environmental cues can trigger cravings even after long periods of abstinence.
What is conditioned learning?
This stimulant increases alertness but can also elevate anxiety and heart rate.
What is cocaine?
This factor involves inherited traits that may increase susceptibility to addiction.
What is genetic predisposition?
Medications like Suboxone are used in this type of treatment approach.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
This myth assumes relapse means treatment has failed completely.
What is a false belief about relapse?
This term describes the brain’s reduced ability to feel pleasure from normal activities after heavy use.
What is anhedonia?
This drug can cause both relaxation and anxiety, depending on dose and individual response.
What is marijuana?
Peer pressure and social circles can strongly influence this early behavior.
What is experimentation with substances?
This role provides peer support and guidance through recovery steps.
What is a sponsor?
This belief suggests only certain types of people develop addiction.
What is a stereotype about addiction?
Repeated drug use alters this system, making survival-level importance attached to substances.
What is the reward system?
Mixing substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines increases risk of this life-threatening outcome.
What is respiratory depression?
This life experience often increases risk when not processed in a healthy way.
What is trauma?
Continuing care after primary treatment helps prevent this outcome.
What is relapse?
This myth claims stopping substance use is only a physical process.
What is a misunderstanding of addiction?