The Brain & Behavior
What part of the brain responsible for decision-making is still developing in teens?
The prefrontal cortex
What is a “trigger” in recovery?
A person, place, feeling, or situation that makes you want to use.
What is one way people might express grief besides feeling sad?
Crying, anger, irritability, or withdrawing from others.
What’s one downside of using distraction as your main coping tool?
It may prevent you from actually processing your emotions.
What does “post-traumatic growth” mean?
Growing stronger or more self-aware after living through trauma or loss.
Why does using substances as a teen increase the risk of addiction?
The brain is more sensitive while developing and more likely to form strong habits.
Name one emotional trigger and one environmental trigger.
Emotional: anger, loneliness. Environmental: parties, people who use.
True or False: Losing someone or something important can change how you see yourself.
True.
Loss can make you question your role, your future, or your identity because part of what helped define you is gone.
What is the difference between coping and avoiding?
Coping helps you work through emotions; avoiding delays healing.
True or False: You have to be totally healed to grow.
False – healing and growth can happen at the same time.
What is dopamine and how do substances affect it?
Dopamine is a brain chemical tied to pleasure; substances flood it and create dependence.
What’s the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger causes the urge; a craving is the intense desire that follows.
What does anticipatory grief mean?
Grieving before the loss actually happens (e.g., when someone is sick).
What is your “window of tolerance” and why is it important in recovery?
It’s the emotional zone where you can function well without shutting down or losing control.
What role does hope play in trauma and addiction recovery?
It motivates you to keep going and believe that change is possible.
What does it mean when trauma changes your “stress response system”?
You may feel on edge, overreact to small stressors, or shut down emotionally.
What is dissociation and why might someone use it after trauma?
It’s mentally checking out or disconnecting to avoid overwhelming feelings.
How can unresolved grief affect a person’s sense of self over time?
It can lead to feelings of confusion, low self-esteem, or difficulty trusting themselves and others.
Name one long-term coping strategy that can help with both trauma and substance cravings.
Therapy, grounding exercises, support groups, physical activity.
Why is it helpful to share your story in a safe space?
It reduces shame and helps you feel heard and connected.
What is trauma reenactment, and how might it show up in teens?
Repeating unhealthy patterns (e.g., unsafe relationships, substance use) without realizing it, as a way to cope or regain control.
What is the HALT method in relapse prevention and how can it help with trauma-related urges?
HALT = Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. It helps people notice emotional or physical states that increase risk.
What does it mean to rebuild your identity after trauma or loss?
Redefining who you are without what was lost — forming new values, goals, and meaning.
What is a relapse prevention plan and why is it helpful in trauma recovery too?
It outlines triggers and coping strategies to stay safe and stable, not just sober.
What are SMART goals and how do they support healing?
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound goals that build structure and momentum.