Recovery Basics
What does the acronym HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
True or False: Anger is often a secondary emotion.
True
What is a boundary?
A limit that protects your well-being and communicates what is acceptable.
What is a sponsor?
Someone with recovery experience who provides guidance, support, and accountability. A sponsor takes the sponsee through the 12 steps.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with the brain’s reward system?
Dopamine.
Name one common relapse warning sign before someone actually uses.
Isolation, skipping meetings, dishonesty, increased stress, romanticizing use, stopping self-care, overconfidence, etc.
Name two emotions that commonly exist underneath anger.
Hurt, fear, shame, sadness, disappointment, embarrassment.
What is the difference between a healthy boundary and trying to control someone else?
A boundary is about what you will do to protect your well-being. Control is trying to change or manage someone else’s behavior.
What is a trigger?
A person, place, emotion, thought, or situation that increases the urge to use.
What is tolerance?
Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.
What is the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger is a person, place, emotion, thought, or situation that increases the urge to use. A craving is the actual desire or urge to use substances.
Why is it important to identify emotions instead of avoiding them?
Emotions provide information, and avoiding them often makes them stronger or leads to unhealthy coping.
Name three qualities of a healthy relationship.
Trust, honesty, respect, communication, accountability, support, empathy, consistency, healthy boundaries, or mutual effort.
What does the acronym PAWS stand for?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.
What is withdrawal?
Physical or psychological symptoms that occur when someone stops or reduces substance use.
Name four symptoms someone might experience during Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, fatigue, memory problems, or low motivation.
Name one physical sign that someone might be experiencing anxiety.
Racing heart, sweating, shaking, nausea, muscle tension, rapid breathing, etc.
Give one example of an assertive statement.
“I’m not comfortable with that.” “I need some time.” “I can’t do that today.”
What is the difference between abstinence and recovery?
Abstinence means not using substances. Recovery includes building a healthier lifestyle, coping skills, and personal growth in addition to abstinence.
What is the difference between tolerance and dependence?
Tolerance means needing more of a substance to get the same effect. Dependence means the body has adapted to the substance and experiences withdrawal when it is reduced or stopped.
Name three relapse warning signs that can occur before someone uses substances.
Isolation, dishonesty, skipping meetings, increased stress, romanticizing past use, stopping self-care, mood changes, overconfidence, associating with old using friends, bottling up emotions, poor sleep, or not asking for help.
What is the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is impulsive; responding involves pausing and making a thoughtful choice.
What is the difference between supporting someone and enabling them?
Supporting helps someone take responsibility and move toward recovery, while enabling removes consequences or makes it easier for the addiction to continue.
What does it mean to “play the tape through”?
To think beyond the immediate urge and consider the full consequences of using, rather than focusing only on the short-term reward.
Why is addiction considered a chronic disease rather than simply a lack of willpower?
Because it causes lasting changes in brain function, behavior, and reward pathways, often requiring ongoing management and support.