Coping Skills
What is one healthy distraction you can use in recovery?
Exercise, journaling, art, reading, cleaning, talking with others, or listening to music.
What is a trigger in addiction recovery?
A person, place, feeling, or situation that can cause cravings or thoughts of using.
What is the first step of the 12 Steps?
Admitting we were powerless over addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
What is one example of a high-risk situation for someone in recovery?
Being around people who are using, experiencing intense stress, or visiting places associated with past use.
What is sobriety?
Living free from ALL drugs and alcohol.
Name a coping skill that involves deep breathing.
Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, or mindful breathing.
Name one internal and one external trigger.
Internal: stress or loneliness. External: a bar or seeing drug paraphernalia.
What is the meaning of "Higher Power" in recovery?
A spiritual force greater than oneself, defined personally by each person.
What is peer pressure?
Influence from other people to behave in a certain way, such as using alcohol or other drugs.
What does relapse mean?
Returning to substance use after a period of abstinence.
Explain how mindfulness helps in recovery.
It increases awareness of thoughts and feelings without reacting or using.
Name 2 emotions that can be a trigger for substance use.
Stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, loneliness, boredom, depression, frustration, hopelessness, and irritability.
What does it mean to make amends?
To take responsibility and repair harm caused to others during active addiction.
A friend tells you, "One time won't hurt." What is one way you could respond?
"No, I'm working on my recovery, and I'm not willing to risk it."
Define "post-acute withdrawal syndrome" (PAWS).
Ongoing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or fatigue that can last for months after detox.
How can a routine support your sobriety?
It creates structure, reduces chaos, and helps avoid idle time that can lead to triggers.
What is the HALT acronym and why is it important?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – these are common relapse triggers to watch for.
What is the purpose of a sponsor?
To guide you through the steps, offer support, and help with accountability.
Why can being hungry, angry, lonely, or tired make recovery more challenging?
These states can increase emotional distress, weaken coping capacity, and make cravings harder to manage.
What is a recovery plan?
A personalized strategy that outlines goals, supports, and tools for staying sober.
When a craving hits, why might waiting 10-15 minutes before making a decision be helpful?
It creates time for the urge to change in intensity and allows you to use coping skills before acting on the craving. Cravings can vary in duration, so waiting isn't always the best option.
You are experiencing a strong craving after a stressful day. Name three steps you can take to manage it safely.
Leave the triggering environment, call trusted support, practice mindfulness, attend a meeting, deep breathing, and physical exercise.
Explain the concept of "one day at a time."
Focusing on staying sober just for today, rather than worrying about the future.
You are invited to a party where you know substances will be available. You are already experiencing cravings. What are two recovery focused options you could consider?
Decline the invitation and make a safer plan or attend only if you have a solid safety plan and a way to leave immediately.
What is the meaning of “clean time”?
The amount of time someone has stayed sober without using substances.