Neurotransmitters
What are neurotransmitters?
chemical "messengers" that are thought to control our moods, as well as sleep, circadian rhythm, and appetite, and heart rate
also referred to as "brain chemicals" and "hormones"
What are some effects methamphetamines have on the brain?
any answer you notice will award you points
chemically what occurs is a huge increase in dopamine being released (sometimes referred to as "dopamine flooding"), a decrease in GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter), increase in glutamate (exhibitory neurotransmitter), norepinephrine increased
Key risk (that is reversible) is neurotoxicity
The main part of the brain responsible for executive function is the Prefrontal Cortex! It has different parts (dorsolateral, ventromedial, orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate cortex, and medial are the ones affected by substances)
you get free points for this - this is just learning, if someone is more familiar with this material, they can be awarded double points
What is the process that assists the brain in healing, adapting, and changing?
Plasticity
5-4-3-2-1 grounding
list 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel (touch), 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste (if you can taste anything)
Everyone who practices will receive points! This is not mandatory, but you will not receive points if this is not practiced!
What neurotransmitter is responsible for the reward cycle? (hint: I guarantee you all have heard of this one)
dopamine
What effects does THC have on the brain?
any effects you notice will be counted as a point
chemically what is occurring is this: mild increase in dopamine, decrease in GABA (inhibitory) AND glutamate (exhibitory)
this can affect motivation (in different ways) and can have negative effects on working memory and short term memory
Dorsolateral PFC is responsible for planning, working memory, and focus
THC: causes decrease in working memory, decrease in task persistence
Alcohol: decrease in problem solving ability, decrease in working memory
Opioids: decrease in planning and cognitive effort
Methamphetamines: INITIAL increase in focus, causes severe executive dysfunction with continued use and during withdrawal period
Nicotine: increases short-term attention, but lowers baseline attention
These are the brain’s communication routes — groups of brain cells that connect and fire together to create habits, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The more a pathway is used, the stronger and more automatic it becomes.
neural pathways - they can be strengthened by practicing coping skills, new thoughts, and replacement behaviors for use
We are going to practice CATEGORY grounding
Go around the room and each person names a vegetable or fruit that begins with A, B, C, D, E, and so on - I will show an example!
Points for anyone who practiced this!
What neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions?
What effect does alcohol have on the brain?
any effects you notice will reward you points
chemically what is happening is this: increase in GABA (STRONG), mild increase in dopamine, glutamate is decreased
Key risk is dangerous withdrawal
Ventromedial PFC is responsible for risk assessment, value, and emotional regulation
Nicotine: mild increase in emotional regulation (this is why aggression and irritability increase during withdrawal)
Alcohol: lowers risk awareness, increases impulsivity (combined with lowered inhibitions, this can cause users to make decisions they normally would not make)
Methamphetamines: distorted reward valuation (makes reward circuit overactive causing euphoria)
Opioids: emotional salience (numbing) (during withdrawals in addition to physical illness symptoms, emotions flood)
THC: lowers risk evaluation
What activities or routines help your brain practice using non-substance pathways for relief, pleasure, or regulation?
exercise, music, connection, creative outlets, rest, various other coping mechanisms
Square breathing - I will lead and explain
4-7-4 breathing - I will lead and explain
rainbow breathing - I will lead and explain
What neurotransmitter is responsible for movement and learning?
acetylcholine
What effect do opioids (opiates and synthetic opiates) have on the brain?
any effects you notice will award you points
chemically what is occurring is this: dopamine increased significantly, GABA is decreased, in acute cases, norepinephrine is decreased (this can sometimes be a cause of OD in combination with decrease in GABA)
The orbitofrontal cortex is responsible for impulse control and decision making, impulse control is HIGHLY indicated in this region.
THC: lowers impulse control
Nicotine: cues habit learning (another reason nicotine is so difficult to stop)
Opioids: drug seeking prioritization due to strong effect on various neurotransmitters, including dopamine
Methamphetamines: severe impairment with compulsive use
Alcohol: disinhibition and poor judgment
How does understanding that your brain can rewire itself change the way you view cravings or setbacks?
This is a discussion question - surprise! Everyone gets points for their contribution!
We are going to practice mental exercises! Everyone will pick 1 from the following list:
1. spell your entire name backwards out loud
2. tell me the names, ages, and occupations of your close family, including yourself
3. count backwards by 7s (I realize this is difficult - we can do a round of this, so that no one is stuck, unless someone would like extra points)
4. pick up and object, and describe it in detail using sight (color, shade, patterns), hearing (does it make any sounds? if so what sounds?), and texture, along with any other details you can spot
5. name all the objects you see (objects specifically, no people, please)
6. describe a simple task in detailed steps, as if you were giving someone directions on how to complete the task
Anyone who practices a skill, regardless of the type will receive points. If someone is able to complete the 3rd mental exercise, they will get DOUBLE POINTS.
What neurotransmitter is responsible for fight or flight?
noradrenaline, also referred to as norepinephrine
What effects does nicotine have on the brain?
any effects you notice will be awarded points
chemically what is occurring is this: mild increase in dopamine, nicotine is also an acetylcholine agonist (meaning it increases the amount of acetylcholine in synapses), reduces GABA indirectly, increases dopamine (slightly), norepinephrine (slightly), and glutamate (more significant)
Key risk: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE
DOUBLE FREE POINTS!
The anterior cingulate cortex is responsible for error-monitoring, self-control, and motivation.
The medial PFC is responsible for self-reflection and social judgment.
DOUBLE FREE POINTS!
THC: for ACC - lowered awareness of errors; for mPFC: altered self-perception (that in some cases can interfere with perception of reality)
Nicotine: for ACC: heightens alertness to errors; for mPFC: mild increase in focus on tasks
Opioids: for ACC: lowers distress response; for mPFC: causes emotional attachment
Methamphetamines: for ACC: initially ups drive to complete tasks, however, with continued use can cause burnout; for mPFC: can cause paranoid and rigid thinking
Alcohol: for ACC: lowers self-monitoring ability; for mPFC: can cause poor insight and an increase in misreading social cues
What small, repeatable action could you practice daily that would help your brain build a stronger recovery pathway?
ANOTHER SURPRISE! FREE POINTS FOR ANY ANSWER! This is a discussion question. :)
What are three things (this can be people, places, interests, hobbies, objects, feelings, etc.) you are grateful for?
ANY RESPONSE will result in points earned!