Let's Be Real...
Myth or Fact?
Myth or Fact?
"Weed isn't addictive."
MYTH: It may not everyone's cup of tea, but plenty of people get hooked.
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
"Honesty is a major predictor of progress in recovery."
FACT: Secrets keep people stuck.
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
"I don't use hard drugs, just alcohol... Which is fine because it's legal."
MYTH: Legal just means taxed, not harmless.
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)
"I only use on the weekends, so it's under control."
MYTH: Frequency of use doesn't cancel consequences.
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
"You don't have to feel motivated to do the right thing."
FACT: Action comes first - motivation often catches up later.
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