Brain & Substances
This brain chemical creates feelings of pleasure and reward
Dopamine
Persistent sadness, low motivation, and loss of interest in activities are symptoms of what condition?
Depression
What word describes something that increases the urge to use substances?
Trigger
Unrealistic or exaggerated thought patterns are called what?
Cognitive Distortions
Neuroplasticity
Substances overstimulate the brain's _____ system.
Reward System
Excessive worry, racing thoughts and feeling constantly on edge are symptoms of what?
Anxiety
Seeing an old using friend or going to a place where someone used substances is what type of trigger?
Environmental trigger
Thinking in extremes like "I either succeed completely or I fail completely" is what distortion?
Black and white thinking
Healthy sleep, exercise, and nutritional help improve _____health.
Brain/mental health
What is it called when the brain struggles to feel pleasure from normal acitivities after long-term substance use?
Anhedonia (or reduced dopamine response)
When someone experiences both addiction and a mental health disorder it is called what?
Co-occuring disorder
HALT stands for four states that increase relapse risk. Name one.
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired
Expecting the worst possible outcome is called what distortion?
Catastrophizing
Talking to supportive people helps regulate what?
Emotions
This part of the brain is responsible for decision making, impulse control and planning.
Prefrontal cortex
Name one healthy coping skill someone could use to manage anxiety.
Breathing exercises
Grounding techniques
Exercise
Talking to someone
Journaling
What is the strong urge or desire to use a substance called?
Craving
Believing one mistake means total failure is what distortion?
Overgeneralization
Learning new ways to manage stress and emotions are called what?
Coping skills
Name one way the brain begins to heal during recovery.
Improved sleep
Better concentration
Improved mood
Better emotional regulation
Why can substance use make mental health symptoms worse over time?
It changes brain chemistry and avoids processing emotions
Name one healthy coping strategy someone could use when experiencing a craving.
Call someone
Leave the situation
Breathing exercise
Distraction
Grounding technique
Name one way someone can challenge negative thoughts
Reframing the thought
Asking for another perspective
Looking at evidence
Name one habit that supports long-term recovery
Routine
Meetings
Therapy
Support Systems
Healthy Boundaries