Neurobiology
Chronic drug use leads to this process in which the brain adjusts to ongoing substance exposure, lowering sensitivity to pleasure and requiring an increased amount to achieve the same effect.
Tolerance (neuroadaptation)
This is how long a typical craving lasts if not acted on it.
20-30 min
Street opioids are frequently contaminated with this extremely potent synthetic opioid.
Fentanyl
This term describes tremors, anxiety, sweating, nausea, and even seizures after stopping alcohol.
Withdrawal Symptoms
This simple habit can help prevent headaches, fatigue, and some anxiety.
Drinking enough water
This neurotransmitter (brain chemical) plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system, reinforcing behaviors that lead to addiction.
Dopamine
This is how quickly opioid tolerance can drop after stopping, raising overdose risk if someone returns to use.
1-2 weeks
This partial opioid agonist is commonly used in MAT to reduce cravings and withdrawal.
Buprenorphine
This major organ is most impacted by alcohol use, causing it to fail after prolonged periods of abuse
Liver
Skipping meals can cause blood sugar drops that feel like this emotionally. (3)
Anxiety, irritability, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and panic
This part of the brain is responsible for judgment and impulse control and is often impaired in addiction.
Prefrontal Cortex
This age range is most vulnerable to addiction because the brain is still developing.
adolescence to mid-20s
This medication rapidly reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioids receptors but does not treat cravings or withdrawal.
Naloxone (Narcan)
This severe form of alcohol withdrawal includes hallucinations, fever, and seizures.
This nutrient helps support dopamine production and is found in foods like eggs, meats, dairy, and nuts.
Proteins
The brain's ability to change, reorganize, or grow neural networks by adapting to new experiences.
Neuroplasticity
This percent of people entering treatment report a history of trauma.
Over 60%
These receptors in the brain are activated by opioids and cause pain relief and euphoria.
Mu-Opioid Receptors
Alcohol falls into this category, meaning it slows down your breathing and activity in your brain
Depressant
This Vitamin deficiency can cause confusion, memory problems, and nerve damage in alcohol use.
Thiamine (B1)
This structure in the brain assigns emotional meaning to experiences and is hyperactive during a craving.
Amygdala
Maintenance medication (MAT) for opioid use disorder has been linked to a reduction in the risk of death by this much when compared to no medication.
50% - 70% lower risk
This condition explains persistent constipation and bowel dysfunction in long-term opioid use.
Opioid induced bowel dysfunction
Long-term heavy alcohol use can lead to this neurological condition caused by thiamine deficiency.
Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome
Low levels of this mineral are linked to poor sleep, anxiety, and muscle tension.
Magnesium