Famous Lives
Cut Short
Cut Short
This legendary rock star and frontman of Nirvana died in 1994 after struggling with heroin addiction.
Kurt Cobain
Feeling sick, anxious, or shaky when stopping or cutting back
Withdrawal
Stop trying to fix your entire life before lunch.
"One day at a time."
When the brain and body rely on a substance to function normally, it’s called this.
Dependence
Writing down thoughts and feelings to process them is called this.
Journaling
This British singer known for “Rehab” died in 2011 due to alcohol poisoning.
Amy Winehouse
Needing more of a substance to get the same effect
Tolerance
Our personal bad decision starter pack
"People, places, things... and ideas."
Triggers and stress can activate this brain response, increasing cravings and relapse risk.
Fight, flight, or freeze
This simple breathing method helps calm your nervous system by making your exhale longer than your inhale.
Deep Breathing
This rapper, known for blending rock and hip-hop and for songs like “Rockstar,” died in 2020 from an accidental overdose at age 34.
Mac Miller
Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there after prolonged meth use is called this.
Hallucinations
We don't need to be perfect... Just less chaotic :)
"Progress, NOT perfection."
Feeling emotions again in recovery is actually a sign of this happening in the brain.
Stopping and identifying what you feel before reacting.
Mindfulness (or emotional awareness)
This rapper and actor, known for hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise,” died in 2022 after complications linked to fentanyl.
Coolio
Slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, and inability to wake up are signs of this life-threatening condition.
Overdose
The stuff you hide is the stuff that keeps you stuck.
"You're only as sick as your secrets."
This brain chemical is heavily released during drug use and is responsible for pleasure and reward.
Dopamine
What does HALT stand for? HALT addresses what type of needs?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired; basic physical and emotional needs
This actor and comedian, beloved for roles in films like Mrs. Doubtfire, died in 2014 and had a long history with substance abuse.
Robin Williams
Mood swings, irritability, cravings, and romanticizing past use can be warning signs of this stage.
Relapse
Just because our brain says it, doesn't make it true.
"Feelings aren't facts."
This part of the brain, responsible for decision-making, becomes weakened with addiction.
Prefrontal Cortex
This technique involves noticing a craving like a wave and letting it pass without acting on it.
Urge Surfing