Understand cravings.
What is a craving in the context of substance abuse recovery?
A strong desire or urge to use a substance.
Name a fruit that helps reduce sugar cravings and provides a healthy snack option.
Apples
True or False: Cravings Can Be Seasonal
True-Research has shown that cravings for certain substances, like alcohol or sugary foods, can increase during certain times of the year, such as holidays or colder months, due to associated social activities and comfort-seeking behaviors.
Which neurotransmitter is often associated with pleasure and reward?
Dopamine
this is the part of the craving cycle where we should start to use healthy coping skills.
at the very beginning / the obsession phase /as soon as possible
Name a common physical symptom of cravings.
Sweating or increased heart rate.
What is a type of drink that can help curb alcohol cravings?
Herbal tea.
True or False: Exercise as a Craving Buster
True-Physical activity can significantly reduce cravings by releasing endorphins and reducing stress. Even short bursts of exercise, like a brisk walk, can help manage cravings effectively.
What part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex.
this is part of the craving cycle that includes your mental state, inability to stop thinking about using and is recurrent and persistent
obsession
What part of the brain is primarily involved in cravings?
The reward system or limbic system.
Identify a nutrient that helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
Fiber
True or False: Drinking coffee can reduce cravings.
False. Caffeine can sometimes increase anxiety and cravings.
Name the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections.
Neuroplasticity
this is part of the craving cycle that includes your emotional state, results in strong irrational urge to use and thinking with emotion
compulsion
How long do typical cravings last?
Usually 15-30 minutes.
Name a type of food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that supports brain health.
Salmon or flaxseeds.
True or False: Genetics can play a role in the types and intensity of cravings people experience.
True. Variations in the DRD2 gene, which affects dopamine receptors, can influence the likelihood of developing certain cravings and addictions.
How long can it take for the brain to start recovering from addiction?
It can start within a few weeks, but full recovery can take months to years.
this is the part of the craving cycle that is caused by brain chemistry imbalances, never totally goes away and returns when recovery is neglected.
physical craving
What is the difference between a CRAVING and an URGE
Craving - desire to HAVE something
Urge - desire to DO something
Explain how hydration affects cravings.
Staying hydrated can reduce feelings of hunger and cravings, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger.
True or False: Cravings will never go away completely.
False. While cravings may persist, they can become less frequent and intense over time with proper management.
What part of the brain is involved in memory and conditioning related to cravings?
The hippocampus.
this is the part of the craving cycle is ritualized and habitual and creates a mental state that justifies drug use as well as what actions we take to get drugs.
drug seeking behavior