Recovery Skills
Name 2 healthy coping skills you can use when your stressed
Examples: exercise, music, talking to support, grounding, journaling, meetings and hobbies.
True or False: Taking responsibility means admitting everything that happened was your fault.
FALSE. Responsibility means owning your choices and behaviors, not accepting blame for things outside of your control.
Name 3 basic needs someone may need to address when returning to the community
Housing, Food, Identification, Employment, Transportation, Healthcare, Finances, Treatment, and Support.
Finish the statement: "I can not always control what happends, but I can control ______"
How I respond/My choices
An old friend texts "Come hangout like old times" whats one question you should ask yourself before saying yes?
"Does spending time with this person support or threaten the life/recovery I am building?"
What is one difference between a craving and a relapse?
A craving is an urge or desire to use: having a craving does not mean you've relapsed.
Whats the difference between an excuse and an explanation?
An explanation gives context; an excuse is used to avoid responsibility
Why can having too much unstructured time create problems during reentry?
It can contribute to boredom, isolation, triggers, old habits, and returning to unhealthy environments.
Whats the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting tends to be immediate or impulsive; Responding involves pausing and making an intentional choice.
You made a mistake and you're afraid your counselor or PO will find out. Whats the difference between hiding it and taking accountability?
Accountability involves honesty, owning your behavior, accepting consequences, and identifying what you will do differently.
Name 3 Warning signs that someones recovery may be getting off track
Isolation, Skipping treatment/meetings, dishonesty, romanticizing use, abandoning routines, reconnecting with high-risk people
Change this statement into one showing accountability: "I only did it because they made me mad"
Example: "I was angry about what happened, but I chose how I responded"
Name 3 people who could be a part of a healthy reentry support system
Counselor, Probation Officer, Sponser, Peer, Family Member, Case Manager, Employer, Therapist, Recovery Community
You know you are going to miss an important appointment. Whats the responsible thing to do?
Communicate as early as possible, explain the situation honestly, and ask about next steps.
You get your first paycheck after reentry. Name 4 things that might need to come before your wants.
Examples: Housing, Food, Transportation, Bills, Court Obligations, Treatment needs and savings.
What does the phrase "Play the tape forward" mean?
Think beyond the immediate urge and consider what will happen afterwards.
Name 3 things you CAN control when dealing with probation, treatment, court or other requirements.
Your communication, honesty, attendance, participation, preparation, attitude, effort and choices.
What is one behavior that may help someone survive in a highly structured environment but cause difficulties when living independently?
Examples: hypervigilance, emotional shut down, responding aggressively to disrespect, relying on others for structure, distrust, or difficulty asking for help.
Complete the chain:
Situation -> Thoughts -> Feelings ->__________->Consequences
Actions/Behaviors
Someone says something disrespectful to you. you feel immediately angry. You have 10 seconds before deciding what to do. Name 3 possible responses that protect your future.
Examples: walk away, pause, breathe, communicate assertively, contact support, consider consequences, or remove yourself from the situation.
You're having a terrible day and do not feel motivated to work on recovery. What are 3 things you can do without motivation?
Examples: attending group, calling support, exercising, completing responsibilities, eating/sleeping appropriately, going to a meeting
What is one situation where someone else may have been wrong AND you still need to take responsibility for your part?
Points for identifying ones own choices without taking responsibility for another persons behavior
You have just been released and suddenly have much more freedom. What are 4 things you can put in your schedule to create your own structure?
Examples: Work, Treatment Meetings, Exercise, Appointments, Family Time, Chores, Hobbies, Volunteering, Spiritual Activities.
You're angry with someone and feel completely justified in confronting them. Before acting, name 3 questions you should ask yourself.
Examples: What could happen afterwards? Does this help my goals? Am I reacting emotionally? Could this affect probation/treatment or recovery?
You are 6 months into recovery and thinking "Im doing good now, I don't need meetings, treatment or all this structure anymore" Whats potentially dangerous about this thought?
Progress can lead to overconfidence; abruptly abandoning supports, routines, and accountability may increase vulnerability to old behaviors.