Understanding Substance Use
Needing larger amounts of a drug or alcohol to get the same effect.
What is tolerance?
A person, place, feeling, or situation that increases the desire to use.
What is a trigger?
Shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and trouble sleeping can occur after suddenly stopping this substance.
What is alcohol?
Feeling nervous, worried, or constantly on edge describes this common mental health symptom.
What is anxiety?
A trusted friend, family member, peer, or counselor you can contact when you're struggling can be part of this.
What is a support network?
When your body has adapted to a substance and may react when you stop taking it.
What is physical dependence?
An argument with your partner makes you suddenly think about drinking. This is an example of this type of trigger.
What is an emotional trigger?
Yawning, runny nose, muscle aches, diarrhea, and goosebumps are commonly associated with withdrawal from this drug class.
What are opioids?
Feeling sad, hopeless, or losing interest in things you normally enjoy may be signs of this.
What is depression?
Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day helps establish this.
What is a healthy routine?
A strong desire or urge to drink alcohol or use a drug.
What is a craving?
Going back to a bar where you used to drink is an example of this.
What is a high-risk situation?
Vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy sweating can increase the risk of this problem.
What is dehydration?
Using alcohol or drugs in an attempt to escape painful feelings is sometimes described this way.
What is self-medication?
Work, school, volunteering, family responsibilities, or other meaningful activities can provide this in recovery.
What is purpose?
Continuing to drink or use despite problems with health, relationships, work, or other responsibilities can be a sign of this condition.
What is a substance use disorder?
Changing your route home so you don't pass the place where you used to buy drugs is an example of this strategy.
What is avoiding a cue?
Severe confusion and agitation during alcohol withdrawal may indicate this medical emergency.
What is delirium tremens (DTs)?
Talking openly with a trained professional about emotions, behaviors, and problems is this type of treatment.
What is counseling?
Housing, relationships, health, skills, finances, and community resources that help someone maintain recovery are collectively called this.
What is recovery capital?
Saying, “My drinking isn't a problem because I only drink on weekends,” despite serious consequences, can be an example of this.
What is minimization?
Planning what you will do before attending an event where substances may be present is called this.
What is coping ahead?
This dangerous neurological event can occur during severe alcohol withdrawal.
What is a seizure?
Receiving care for both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition is called this.
What is integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders?
The ability to adapt and continue moving forward after difficult experiences or setbacks.
What is resilience?