Causes of Risky Situations
Having "nothing to do."
Boredom
Breath work, journaling, listening to music, etc.
Coping Skills
Long-term "Instant Fixes" for stress exist.
False
What is the national animal of Scottland?
A unicorn. It is viewed as chivalrous, powerful, and pure.
If someone relapses, they are a lost cause.
Myth! "Addiction is a chronic illness..." just as diabetes or cancer. It requires lifelong management, building coping skills, and accessing support.
Using substances, motivated by others and wanting to fit in or belong.
Peer Pressure
A plan to avoid using in the future after being abstinent.
Relapse Prevention Plan
Your environment and inner circle impacts your substance use.
True
What part of the body cannot heal itself?
Teeth, they are made of bone, but do not grow or heal when they break.
The earlier substance use begins, the greater the risk of addition.
True! Think of the example of not using cannabis until someone is at least 25 years old. When substances are used during brain development, the brain is now trying to develop with the influence of substances, which alter the brain's pathways. HOWEVER, people of any age are at risk of addiction, no matter when they began using substances.
Desire to experience the unknown.
Curiosity
AA, NA, Alano Club, New Path, etc.
Support Groups
All stress is out of your control.
False.
How many jaws to Moray eels have?
2. The oral jaws to capture prey and the pharyngeal jaw to help them swallow the prey.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), is just replacing one drug with another.
Myth! MAT can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It allows people to have the opportunity to recover and prevent overdoses. MAT helps allow people to live their life to the fullest.
Being alone or avoiding others.
Isolation
Mindfulness, talking to a friend, HALT, etc.
Stress management
Your mental health impacts your substance use and vice versa.
True
What movie series is this line from? "I have a bad feeling about this."
Star Wars. Sometimes the wording changes but it is in every Star Wars movie.
If someone uses willpower they should be able to stop.
Myth! Substance use alters the pathways in the brain that provides pleasure to the reward system. When this happens repeatedly and long-term, the brain sends signals of intense cravings (and withdrawal symptoms) when the substance is taken away.
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction