Drug Facts
Distorting reality, including experiencing hallucinations (seeing/smelling/feeling, hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are not true to reality.)
What is the effect of a stimulants on the nervous system?
Stimulants speed up the nervous system. This is why stimulants cause individuals to have excess energy.
True or false: Overall, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the Unites States.
True! All current data points to alcohol being the most common substance to be addicted to in U.S.
Why do you think this is? Do you think that cannabis will overtake alcohol as the most commonly abused substance in the US? Why or why not?
True or false: Feeling overly motivated in recovery can contribute to an overconfidence that can lead to relapse.
True!
One reason is that a highly motivated individual can begin to focus on what everyone else in recovery "should" be doing and lose sight of their own recovery in the process.
What other ways could over-motivation lead to over-confidence/relapse?
What is a co-occurring disorder in the context of SUD?
A co-occurring disorder is any mental health disorder that occurs alongside SUD.
Ex. Depression and SUD.
A "bad trip" on hallucinogens can include what symptoms?
Intense fear, panic, or paranoia.
True or false: after the high of a stimulant wears off, people may experience a “crash” that includes low mood or exhaustion.
True!
Why do you think a low mood typically follows a "crash?"
How can depressant use affect mental health?
Depressants can increase depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
1. Mantras: "I have goals for a better life and I am capable of meeting those goals, even when I'm not perfect."
2. Seeking social support.
3. Remembering our values (our "whys.")
4. Taking action even when we don't feel like it.
What is the most dangerous way to consume a substance?
Intravenous ("shooting up.")
Why do you think this is?
Hallucinogens are not considered to be high-risk for physical dependence. Does this make them safe to use?
No!
Psychological dependence and addiction are still a risk, even if no physical withdrawal symptoms occur. What other risks can you think of?
Out of the following, which body system is most directly stressed by cocaine use?
A. Digestive system
B. Circulatory system
C. Immune system
B, the circulatory system.
Cocaine immediately increases heart rate and blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder while, at the same time, causes narrowing of blood vessels. This combination creates a mismatch between oxygen supply and demand in the heart, potentially causing cardiac arrest. Cocaine also interferes with the heart’s electrical system, causing arrhythmias such as tachycardia or life-threatening ventricular fibrillation.
Prescription "downers" (or depressants, such as benzos or opioids) can be highly addictive and are easy to overdose on.
Unhelpful thought: "This is my third time being in a recovery program. I'll fail this time, too."
Helpful thought: "I have a team of people dedicated to supporting me here and now. I believe in my ability to grow and heal."
Why is it important to treat a co-occurring disorder when also treating SUD?
Because co-occurring disorders can make SUD worse, and vice versa.
Why do you think this is?
True or false: Hallucinogens can trigger long‑lasting anxiety or flashbacks, even after use stops.
True!
What effect do depressants have on the nervous system?
Why is it dangerous to mix stimulants and depressants together?
It confuses the body. Depressants slow breathing, heart rate, and reaction time. Stimulants increase heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.
When taken together, the body is being told to speed up and slow down at the same time, which can overwhelm the heart, brain, and lungs.
How can values impact motivation in recovery?
Values are the things in life that are the most important to us. They guide what motivates us. For example, if a person values trust, gaining trust back from friends/family could be an excellent motivating factor in their recovery.
If we want to change our behavior, the best place to start is by changing the way we _______
think!
True or false: Stress, trauma history, or mental health struggles can increase the risk of negative reactions when using hallucinogens.
True!
What's the biggest physical risk of depressant use?
What are the top 2 drugs that release the highest amounts of dopamine?
Cocaine, heroin.
All drugs trigger dopamine, but these two substances are the easiest to get addicted to due to the amount of dopamine released at one time.
Finding ways to stay motivated in recovery is especially important for what stage of change?
The maintenance stage. By this stage, sobriety has been achieved for long span of time, and maintaining the motivation to stay sober when life feels "normal/boring" is especially important to continue long-term sobriety.
Research has found an association between amphetamine use and an increase in what kind of behavior?
Violent.