Addiction Facts
Effects of Substances
Addictions in Culture
Recovery and Reduction
The "Why"
100

This legal drug is commonly consumed as a fermented beverage. It is the most popular drug worldwide and has been used by humans for millennia.

What is alcohol?

100

Although people often use this drug to have fun, "loosen up," or "party" is actually a depressant and can lead to low mood, sleepiness, or a "hang over." 

What is alcohol? 

100

This widely socially accepted drug is most commonly consumed in the morning as a hot drink and is referred to in a classic commercial as "the best part of waking up."

What is caffeine/coffee?

100

This iconic group famous for its twelve steps is the most popular program for individuals to pursue sobriety. 

What is AA/ Alcoholics Anonymous? 

100

Many individuals with mental health diagnoses develop addictions as a way to cope with these. 

What are symptoms? 

200

Slot machines, Las Vegas, cards, and dice are images associated with this common behavioral addiction. 

What is gambling? 

200

This common method of consuming nicotine has decreased in popularity in recent decades due to its long-term physical health consequences such as lung cancer. 

What is smoking cigarettes? 

200

This drug is steadily gaining social acceptance, availability, and legalization in various states, despite remaining federally illegal. 

What is marijuana/cannabis? 

200

This medication reduces or reverses the effects of opiates and can save lives.

Hint: there is a free vending machine stocked with this in the lobby!

What is Narcan/naloxone?

200

True or False:

Both having too much to do and not having enough to do can lead to addictive behavior  

What is true? 

300

Since the release of the first smart phones nearly 20 years ago, this new addiction has become incredibly prevalent even though it does not yet have an official diagnosis. 

What is screen/internet/social media/ phone addiction? 

300

Effects of using this class of drugs can mirror symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and paranoia.

What are hallucinogens? 

300

This winter holiday is strongly associated with increased alcohol use, especially champagne. 

What is New Year's Eve?

300

This model for treating addiction does not stress total abstinence but instead teaches strategies for safe drug usage, emphasizes realistic reduction, and advocates for ethical drug policy.

What is harm reduction? 

300

This state of mental tension is experienced by all humans and is a leading reason why people engage in addictive behaviors. 

What is stress? 

400

Addiction activates our brain's reward system, which is strongly associated with this chemical.

What is dopamine? 

400

When we stop using certain substances abruptly, we can experience these. For certain substances, these require hospitalization and can be fatal.

What are withdrawals? 

400

In a famous television interview with Diana Sawyer, Whitney Housten stated that this drug is "wack." 

What is crack?

400

True or False:

Countries that have decriminalized all drugs (such as Portgual) experience higher rates of drug use, relapse, and deaths.

What is false? 

400

These "reminders" of an addictive substance or behavior can be places, people, things, or anything that activates an urge to use. 

What are triggers? 

500
This addiction is impossible to completely quit because the "substance" is necessary to survive, which makes it especially challenging to treat. 

What is food addiction? 

500

Because of the devastating impact of drugs such as fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, experts have labeled their current usage in the U.S. as a crisis or epidemic. 

What are Opioids/Opiates?

500

This social phenomenon can lead to negative perceptions, discriminatory policies, and poor treatment of people with substance use disorders and/or mental illnesses.

What is stigma?

500

Recovery Dharma is a recovery program based on Buddhist thought that uses this practice as its primary tool. 

Hint: It is also a main part of Living Well Group

What is mindfulness/meditation?

500

Using addictions as a way to distract ourselves or escape reality is an example of this.

What is avoidance?