Science & Addiction
When someone has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the likelihood they will experience heart disease, stroke, HIV, Hepatitis, and/or mental health issues moves in this direction
Up, increase
This is the term for a persistent, strong, and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity
Phobia
This treatment approach began in the 1960's with the use of methadone. It now utilizes a number of different medications, alongside behavioral health and case management supports, and is considered one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder.
Medication Assisted Treatment, MAT, or MOUD
This term refers to the healthy ability to "put yourself in someone else's shoes", or to try and understand their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Empathy or empathize
This famous 80's and 90's child star began drinking at age 11 before being given drugs such as cocaine as early as age 12. She is now in recovery and hosts a talk show.
Drew Barrymore
No matter what the substance is, once addiction to that substance occurs for long enough this important organ drastically changes the way it functions
This mental health disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania (or high energy) and depression
Bipolar Disorder
For almost 100 years, many people have benefitted from the support and guidance they receive in these types of group meetings
12-step, AA, NA
To maintain healthy relationships, personal wellbeing, and recovery, we should identify and communicate or set these physical, psychological, and emotional limits
Boundaries
At only 42 years old, this Mississippi native and 50's and 60's music icon and actor passed away from complications related to severe, long-term use of opioids and other drugs
Elvis Presley
This neurotransmitter is closely linked to the mind's reward and motivation systems and is commonly associated with pleasure and reinforcement
Dopamine
This is the full name of the disorder often referred to as PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This evidence-based approach to maintaining recovery from addiction involves making a plan to identify triggers and warning signs and then developing specific coping strategies to avoid a return to negative behaviors
Relapse Prevention, Relapse Prevention Planning
This is the two-word term for the cooperative process of effectively resolving disputes and settling interpersonal arguments and fights in a positive manner, rather than avoiding or "blowing up"
Conflict Resolution
This legendary Dutch painter, known for "Starry Night," grappled with alcohol use disorder (particularly absinthe) and mental health issues, even to the point where he knowingly cut off part of his own ear
Vincent Van Gogh
These hormones, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormones, are released during activities that promote well-being, like exercise, laughter, creative expression, and socialization (hint: they are released when someone experiences a "runner's high")
Endorphins
This is the term for a sudden, intense, and overwhelming episode of fear, anxiety, or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and sweating
Panic Attack
This skills-based form of treatment used in substance use and mental health recovery focuses on identifying and changing thinking patterns to help change feelings and negative behaviors (Hint: also known as CBT?)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This type of listening describes when you carefully focus on what another person is saying and then paraphrase or repeat back what you heard to confirm that you understood them
Active or Reflective Listening
This artist is considered the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts. After 20 years of struggling with addiction, he decided to seek sobriety and later released his first sober-recorded album "The One" in 1992.
Elton John
This highly advanced and complex area of the human brain is associated with decision-making and impulse control, and is strongly impacted by addiction and intoxication
Prefrontal Cortex
This mental health disorder is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts often followed by repetitive behaviors or rituals aimed at reducing anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD
This approach to addiction recovery focuses on minimizing the negative consequences associated with active substance use by providing tools, strategies, resources, and supports to reduce the risks and dangers associated with use.
Harm Reduction
This vital foundation to relationships occurs when both members of the relationship allow themselves to be vulnerable, show integrity and honesty, and choose to believe one another
Trust
One of the original writers of the “horror” genre, this legendary author from the 1800’s suffered from alcohol use disorder, grief, and depression. (Hint- His last name is also one of the Teletubbies)
Edgar Allen Poe