Recovery Wins
Name one benefit of recovery.
Examples: trust, better health, money saved, better sleep, safer choices, stronger relationships, more self-respect.
Name one healthy way to handle stress.
Examples: breathing, walking, music, prayer/meditation, journaling, talking to support, taking a pause, or using grounding skills.
What is the funniest thing you ever lost while using?
Group share. Keep it appropriate and focus on laughing at the chaos without glorifying substance use.
What does MAT stand for?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, also called Medications for Addiction Treatment
What is your favorite comfort food?
Group share. Bonus: name one comfort food that does not hurt your recovery goals.
Name one thing recovery can give back that addiction took away.
Examples: family time, honesty, stability, hope, clear thinking, a routine, or the ability to show up.
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These are warning signs that we may need extra support or self-care.
What is the funniest excuse you ever gave?
Group share. Keep it light, honest, and respectful. The lesson is that recovery lets us live with less chaos.
What is one purpose of group therapy?
Support, accountability, learning coping skills, reducing isolation, and hearing how others handle recovery.
If you won one million dollars tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
Group share. Recovery bonus: name one choice that would protect your peace or stability.
What is a “small win” in recovery?
Any healthy choice counts: coming to group, not using today, making a call, keeping an appointment, or telling the truth.
Name a grounding skill you can do anywhere.
Example: 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: name 5 things you see, 4 feel, 3 hear, 2 smell, and 1 taste.
Name a common recovery “oops” moment that is not a relapse.
Examples: forgetting an appointment, mixing up group times, losing your keys sober, or crying over something small.
Name one way group can help recovery.
It reminds people they are not alone and gives a place to practice honesty, support, and problem-solving.
What animal describes your recovery mood today?
Group share. Example: turtle for slow and steady, lion for brave, sloth for tired but still showing up.
Why is it important to notice progress?
Noticing progress builds hope, motivation, confidence, and reminds us that change is actually happening.
What is one healthy way to deal with cravings?
Examples: ride the wave, call someone, leave the situation, attend group, use distraction, drink water, or remind yourself why recovery matters.
What harmless thing feels like a major accomplishment now?
Examples: laundry, dishes, paying a bill, making a phone call, getting up on time, or remembering where your stuff is.
What does “one day at a time” mean?
It means focusing on the next healthy choice instead of trying to fix your whole life all at once.
Pick a theme song for your recovery week and explain why.
Group share. Keep it appropriate. The “why” matters more than the song.
Name one healthy way to handle stress.
Examples: breathing, walking, music, prayer/meditation, journaling, talking to support, taking a pause, or using grounding skills.
Create a 10-minute self-care plan.
Include one action, one support, and one safe choice. Example: take a walk, call a peer, and stay away from triggering people.
Turn a past mistake into a funny lesson without glorifying use.
Example answer: “I learned I make better decisions when I answer texts sober and after coffee.”
Name two supports someone can use outside of group.
Examples: counselor, peer supporter, sponsor, sober friend, family support, meetings, case manager, crisis line, or faith/community support.
Give someone in the room a positive shout-out or “recovery superpower.”
Examples: courage, honesty, humor, patience, resilience, loyalty, hope, or determination.