Brain and Behavior
Substances
Relationships
Recovery Acronyms
Recovery Psychology
100

This part of the brain is heavily involved in decision-making, impulse control, and planning

The prefrontal cortex.

100

This group of substances are central nervous system depressants that can cause dangerous respiratory depression during overdose

Opioids

100

This is a clearly communicated limit about what you will or will not accept from another perso 

Boundary

100

This acronym represents a pattern of substance use that causes significant problems or impairment in a person's life, such as difficulty controlling use, continued use despite consequences, or problems with work, relationships, or health. 

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

100

This is the term for acting quickly based on an urge or feeling rather than pausing to consider the outcome. 

Impulsivity

200

This happens when the body adapts to a substance so that more may be needed to produce the same effect. 

Tolerance

200

This class of substances includes drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine?

Stimulants

200

This communication style involves expressing your needs directly while respecting the other person's rights

Assertive communication

200

This acronym represents four basic states that can increase emotional vulnerability, stress, impulsivity, or cravings and make it harder to cope effectively.

HALT

200

This is the term for believing that you are unable to change or improve your situation 

Learned helplessness — a pattern of believing that your actions won't make a difference because of repeated experiences of feeling powerless.

300

What neurotransmitter is strongly associated with the brain's reward system and plays an important role in motivation?

Dopamine

300

This substance is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana

THC 

300

This is the term for repeatedly doing things for another person that they are capable of doing themselves, often to protect them from consequences 

Enabling

300

This acronym represents a collection of symptoms that can continue after the acute withdrawal period, potentially including sleep problems, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and cravings. 

PAWS

300

This is the psychological term for not doing something because it causes fear, anxiety, discomfort, or distress

Avoidance

400

Why might someone experience a craving when they encounter a place where they used to use?

The brain has learned an association between the place and substance use.

400

Which medications are commonly used as an opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder?

Suboxone, Sublocade, Methadone
400

This is the difference between empathy and compassion

Empathy involves understanding or sharing another person's feelings; compassion recognizes suffering and makes steps to alleviate it

400

This acronym represents treatment for substance use disorders that combines medication with counseling and behavioral or recovery supports. 

MAT 

400

This is the term for a behavior that becomes automatic because it is repeatedly performed in the same situation or context 

Habit

500

This is the term for the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience, including during recovery?

Neuroplasticity 

500

This is the term for taking multiple substances together, potentially increasing the risk of dangerous effects

Polysubstance use

500

This is the term for changing your behavior to avoid conflict or rejection, even when doing so goes against your own needs or values 

People-pleasing

500

This is the acronym for medications used to treat opioid use disorder, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications can reduce cravings, withdrawal, and opioid-related harms while supporting recovery. 

MOUD: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder 

500

This is the term for expecting the worst possible outcome to happen 

Catastrophizing