Relapse Warning Signs
Skipping meetings, isolating, and avoiding support are examples of these.
What are relapse warning signs?
This coping skill involves talking honestly with someone supportive instead of isolating.
What is reaching out/support seeking?
Being around old using friends or environments can increase this.
What is relapse risk?
These people help encourage accountability and sobriety.
What are sober supports?
Many people in recovery struggle with this after substances are removed.
What is emotional regulation?
This emotion often builds quietly before relapse and can include anger, bitterness, or frustration.
What is resentment?
Deep breathing, meditation, and grounding are examples of this.
What are relaxation or mindfulness skills?
HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and this.
What is Tired?
Recovery often becomes easier when people stop doing this alone.
What is isolating?
This emotion is often described as feeling “not good enough.”
What is shame?
Thinking “maybe I wasn’t that bad” is an example of this type of addictive thinking.
What is minimizing?
Name one healthy coping skill that helps reduce stress naturally.
Examples: exercise, journaling, music, meetings, therapy, hobbies, walking.
Name one holiday or event that may be high-risk for recovery.
Examples: birthdays, holidays, concerts, parties, sporting events.
Name one benefit of attending support meetings regularly.
Examples: accountability, connection, structure, support, learning.
Crying, anger, numbness, and anxiety may increase during this stage of recovery.
What is early recovery?
A person who suddenly stops being honest in recovery may be showing this color flag.
What is a red flag?
This coping skill helps people stay present instead of spiraling into anxiety.
What is grounding?
Stress, overconfidence, and isolation are examples of these.
What are high-risk factors?
This is the ability to ask for help when struggling.
What is vulnerability or honesty?
Name one healthy way to process emotions instead of avoiding them.
Examples: therapy, journaling, talking, exercise, meetings, mindfulness.
Name two emotional relapse warning signs.
Examples: isolation, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, defensiveness, hopelessness.
Why is having multiple coping skills important in recovery?
Because one coping skill may not work in every situation/emotion.
What should someone do if they know they’re entering a high-risk situation?
Examples: bring support, make a plan, leave early, call someone, avoid triggers.
Why can healthy support systems be uncomfortable at first?
Examples: trust issues, shame, fear of judgment, not used to support.
Why do emotions sometimes feel stronger in sobriety?
Because substances previously numbed or avoided emotions.