Recovery 1
What brain chemical is heavily involved in reward and motivation and is impacted by substance use?
Dopamine
About how long do most cravings last if someone rides them out?
Cravings often last 20–30 minutes
What simple skill can help calm the nervous system?
Deep breathing
What skill helps people manage intense feelings safely?
Emotional regulation
What behavior often increases relapse risk?
Isolation
What part of the brain helps with decision-making and impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex
What brain system is hijacked by drugs and alcohol?
The reward pathway
What activity helps people process thoughts and emotions privately?
Journaling
What are people, places, or emotions that increase the risk of substance use?
Triggers
What tool helps people identify triggers and coping strategies?
A safety or relapse prevention plan
What is it called when someone needs more of a substance to get the same effect?
Tolerance
What healthy habit helps repair brain functioning during recovery?
Sleep
What practice involves observing thoughts and feelings without judgment?
Mindfulness
What is a single return to use that does not become a full relapse?
A lapse
What daily structure helps reduce boredom and relapse risk?
Routine
What is the body’s physical and emotional reaction when stopping or reducing substance use?
Withdrawal
What acronym helps people identify common relapse risk states?
HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
What activity naturally increases dopamine and improves mood?
Exercise
What is one of the best ways to prevent relapse before high-risk situations?
Planning ahead
What mental health condition often includes sadness, low energy, and loss of interest?
Depression
What is one of the biggest triggers that activates the brain’s craving center?
Stress
What coping skill helps bring someone back to the present moment during anxiety or cravings?
Grounding
What skill helps protect recovery from unhealthy people or situations?
Setting boundaries
What coping skill involves thinking about the full consequences of using?
Playing the tape through
What experience can increase vulnerability to substance use?
Trauma