The Addicted Brain
The brain chemical involved in motivation, wanting, and reward learning.
What is dopamine?
Holidays, certain people, and familiar places, and things are examples of ________?
What are triggers?
This emotion/state often involves the belief "I am bad" rather than "I did something bad."
What is shame?
The four needs or states represented by HALT.
Getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and exercising are examples of this.
What is self-care
This pop superstar behind songs like “Stronger” and “Since U Been Gone” has openly discussed recovery and sobriety.
Who is Kelly Clarkson?
This is the strong desire or urge to use a substance.
What is a craving?
Having a safe ride, support person, or exit strategy is part of this.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
CBT stands for this.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
This technique uses your five senses to bring attention to the present.
What is 5-4-3-2-1 grounding?
Name one positive thing that can reduce the risk of addiction (and relapse).
Positive relationships, employment, faith, education, recovery support, goals, stable housing.
This rapper, known for "Lose Yourself," has celebrated more than 15 years of sobriety.
Who is Eminem?
The brain's ability to change and form new connections.
What is neuroplasticity?
Saying "no" to something that could threaten your recovery is an example of setting this.
What is a boundary?
CBT explores the relationship among these three things (also referred to as the CBT triangle):
What are
1. Thoughts
2. Feelings
3. Behaviors
This coping skill involves observing an urge (like a wave) without acting on it.
What is urge surfing?
This is the body's adjustment when someone reduces or stops using a substance they have become dependent on.
What is withdrawal?
This Parenthood actor and podcast host has openly discussed his recovery, including a relapse involving painkillers. Hint- He is married to Kristen Bell (The Good Place)
Dax Sheppard
__________is a condition that involves compulsive seeking and taking of a substance or performing of an activity despite negative or harmful consequences.
What is addiction?
This recovery skill involves paying attention to the present moment (without judgment).
What is mindfulness?
Thinking "I made one mistake, so I'm a complete failure" is an example of this cognitive distortion.
What is Polarized or all or nothing thinking?
PAWS stands for this.
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
"The opposite of addiction isn't sobriety, it's _________." -Johann Hari
What is connection?
This "Confident" singer and former Disney Channel star has openly discussed addiction and recovery.
Demi Lovato
This brain chemical helps strengthen learned associations between substance use and triggers. It reinforces memory and motivates repeated behavior (around rewards).
What is Glutamate?
A person notices a trigger, pauses, and calls a supportive friend instead of using. They have interrupted this.
What is a habit loop?
Expecting the worst possible outcome without evidence (type of cognitive distortion).
What is catastrophizing?
Name one way to reduce stress in the moment
Bonus Points (200): Name for the ability to sit with uncomfortable emotions
Temperature (Cold Exposure), Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Paired Muscle Relaxation (Inhale and tense a muscle group; exhale and release fully). Others: Deep breaths, Art, journaling, walking, nature, fresh air
Bonus: What is Distress Tolerance
Name one risk factor for addiction
Trauma, stress, family substance use, peer pressure, mental health needs, proximity, loneliness, shame
This "Thank U, Next" singer has openly discussed past struggles with alcohol use, mental health, and the importance of self-compassion.
Ariana Grande