SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION
What is addiction?
A condition where a person continues using a substance despite negative consequences and may have difficulty stopping.
Substance use can affect what two major areas of health?
Physical health and mental health.
Which drugs can increase energy and alertness?
Methamphetamine or cocaine.
What is a trigger?
A person, place, feeling, thought, or situation that increases the urge to use substances.
Name one healthy coping skill.
Deep breathing, exercise, journaling, talking to a friend, or meditation
True or False: Addiction is caused only by a lack of willpower.
False. Addiction is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Name one way substance use can affect mental health.
Increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, paranoia, or difficulty concentrating.
Which substances slows down the central nervous system and impairs judgment?
Alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Name two emotional triggers for substance use.
Stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, loneliness, boredom, or grief.
What is a support system?
People who provide encouragement, accountability, and help during recovery.
Name two factors that can increase a person's risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Family history/genetics, mental health concerns, trauma, peer influence, or frequent substance use.
Name one way substance use can affect physical health.
Heart problems, liver damage, breathing issues, sleep disturbances, or weakened immune system.
Name one common short-term effect of marijuana.
Relaxation, altered perception, increased appetite, or impaired memory.
Free question: What are some ways to find out what your triggers are?
personal experience, therapy, talking about it
Why is exercise often recommended during recovery?
It reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes overall health.
True or False: Substance use can worsen mental health
True or False: Substance use can affect decision-making and judgment.
True
What are benzodiazepines commonly prescribed for?
Anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, or sleep difficulties.
Why is identifying triggers important?
It helps prevent relapse and allows individuals to prepare healthy coping responses.
What is one healthy thing you can do when experiencing a craving?
Contact a support person, use a coping skill, leave the triggering situation, or practice grounding.
Why do some people continue using substances even after experiencing serious negative consequences?
Addiction! Addiction changes brain functioning, making cravings and compulsive use difficult to control.
Why might someone experience worsening mental health symptoms after prolonged substance use?
Substances can alter brain chemistry, increase stress, and worsen underlying mental health conditions.
Which two substances can be especially dangerous when combined because they both slow breathing?
Alcohol and benzodiazepines
Give an example of an external trigger and an internal trigger.
External: seeing friends who use substances. Internal: feeling stressed or depressed.
Name three healthy coping skills someone could use instead of substances when feeling stressed.
Examples: exercise, journaling, meditation, talking to a friend, listening to music, taking a walk, or attending a support group.