Science and Addiction
Mental Health
Approaches to Recovery
What Makes an Addiction?
Name it!
100

The "thrill of the almost win" is very addictive to the human brain. We see this most clearly in this behavioral addiction, whether it be with cards, dice, or slot machines. 

Gambling

100

This emotion can be described as an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and often includes anticipation, dread, or worry about future events.  

Anxiety

100

When attending one of this iconic peer-led recovery program's groups, you may find yourself reading from "The Big Book." 

Alcoholics Anonymous/ AA

100

Quitting a physically addictive substance can sometimes bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms-- sometimes requiring hospitalization. 

Withdrawals 

100

Often consumed as a fermented beverage, this is the oldest known intoxicating substance used specifically for recreational purposes (even dating back to prehistoric times)

Alcohol


200

Whatever the substance or behavior is, once addiction to that substance occurs for long enough this important organ drastically changes the way it functions

Brain

200

This mental health disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania and depression.

Bipolar Disorder

200

Both Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention and Recovery Dharma utilize this practice of focusing one's attention on breath as a key tool for recovery.

Meditation.

200

Requiring more and more of a substance to get the same effect; this often fuels the desire and need for using larger amounts.

Tolerance 

200

Class of drugs used medicinally for thousands of years to relieve physical pain. Nowadays widespread abuse of this class of drugs is considered a public health crisis.

Opiates/Opioids 

300

This neurotransmitter is closely linked to the mind's reward system and is commonly associated with pleasure and reinforcement.

Dopamine

300

Many people with addiction also carry a diagnosis of PTSD. The acronym PTSD stands for:  

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

300

This evidence-based approach to maintaining recovery from addiction involves identifying triggers and warning signs and then developing specific coping strategies to avoid a return to negative behaviors.

Relapse Prevention

300

Failure to recognize the truth about a problem, particularly an addiction, is often referred to as this.

Denial

300

This legal substance is highly addictive, widely used, and generally socially accepted. In fact, a famous commercial even refers to is as "the best part of waking up." 

Coffee (caffeine)

400

These hormones often referred to as the "feel-good" hormones, are released during activities that promote well-being, like exercise, laughter, creative expression, and socialization

Endorphins

400

Feelings such as hopelessness and worthlessness are commonly associated with this low mood state, but it can also include reduced ability to concentrate, poor hygiene, and isolation. 

Depression

400

This skills-based form of treatment used in substance use and mental health recovery focuses on identifying and changing thinking patterns to help change feelings and negative behaviors (Hint: also known as CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

400

They say relapse doesn’t suddenly happen out of nowhere – It’s not an event, it is often much more of a gradual _____

Process

400

This behavioral addiction is considered one the most challenging to treat, because it cannot be quit entirely. 

Food/Eating 

500

This highly advanced and complex area of the human brain is associated with decision-making and impulse control, and is strongly impacted by addiction and intoxication

Prefrontal Cortex

500

Positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia and negative symptoms such as flat affect and slowed movement characterize this diagnosis. 

Schizophrenia

500

This approach to addiction recovery focuses on minimizing the negative consequences associated with active substance use by providing tools, strategies, resources, and supports to reduce the risks and dangers associated with that use.

Harm Reduction

500

Terms such as tolerance, cravings, and chemical dependence are most closely associated with this theory of addiction. 

What is the disease theory of addiction? 

500

Cocaine, speed, methamphetamine, and even prescription stimulates when taken for long periods can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoid delusions called:

Psychosis/ Substance-induced psychosis