Recovery 1
This is the term for staying away from substances completely.
Abstinence/Sobriety
Deep breathing
A set of coping strategies and tools used to help a person stay sober and avoid returning to unhealthy habits or substance use
Relapse Prevention
This brain chemical, often called the “feel‑good chemical,” is heavily impacted by addiction.
Dopamine
I can be triggered by a smell, a song, or a memory. I feel big, but I pass quickly. What am I?
A craving
What percentage of people with SUD also have a mental health disorder?
50%
This is a skill you can use to write down your thoughts and emotions when triggered by a situation, person, or environment.
When you ignore these warning signs, your cravings can get stronger. Hint: 4-letter acronym
H.A.L.T
This legal substance causes more deaths each year than all illegal drugs combined.
Alcohol
I’m the plan you make before trouble shows up. I help you stay safe. What am I?
This drug is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States.
Marijuana/Cannabis
This type of coping skill involves slowing down and focusing on the present moment.
Mindfulness
This term describes the physical or emotional signs that a relapse may be coming.
Warning Signs
This drug is commonly prescribed for anxiety but can be addictive when misused.
Benzodiazepines
Disclaimer: Benzos do people dirty every time.
I’m a place, a person, or a thing that pulls you back toward old habits. What am I?
A trigger
This therapy approach focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is the term for replacing negative thoughts with more balanced ones.
Reframing
This relapse‑prevention strategy involves maintaining healthy routines like sleep, nutrition, hygiene, and relaxation to keep your mind and body stable.
Self-Care
This common relapse trigger is one of the top three reported in outpatient programs.
Boredom
I help you calm down by focusing on what you can see, hear, and feel. What am I?
Grounding Skills
This stage of change involves thinking about making a change but not acting yet.
Contemplation Stage
This skill from DBT: distress tolerance helps you pause before making impulsive reactions or decisions.
HINT: It's an acronym.
S.T.O.P.
There's three stages of relapse. The second stage is mental relapse and the third stage is physical relapse. What is the first stage of relapse?
Emotional
This part of the brain, responsible for decision‑making, is weakened by addiction but heals in recovery.
Prefrontal Cortex
I am the skill that helps you accept what you can and can't control. What am I?
Hint: You've recently discussed this in DBT
Radical Acceptance