Motivation and Setbacks
A difficult experience does not have to mean recovery has failed.
What is a Setback?
A strong emotional response that can become a relapse trigger when unmanaged.
What is anger?
Being honest about your values, feelings, needs, and identity is called this.
What is authenticity?
PTSD stands for this.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
“I can't calm down without drugs or alcohol” is an example of this.
What is an irrational/unhelpful thought?
HIV and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through contact with infected blood.
What is true?
This involves remembering the personal reasons you chose recovery.
What is maintaining motivation?
Repeatedly holding onto anger about a past wrong can develop into this.
What is resentment?
Ask yourself this question when deciding whether a behavior represents your authentic self.
“Do my choices reflect the real me?”
Name one possible PTSD symptom.
What are intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional distress, or feeling constantly on guard?
This CBT skill involves examining whether a thought is accurate and replacing it with a healthier thought.
What is challenging or reframing thoughts?
Sharing needles or other injection equipment increases the risk of transmitting these infections.
What are HIV and Hepatitis C?
Name one healthy response when motivation begins to decrease.
What is contacting support, attending treatment/meetings, reviewing goals, using coping skills, or asking for help?
Name one healthy way to respond when anger begins increasing.
What is taking a break, deep breathing, talking to support, journaling, identifying the trigger, or using grounding skills?
Healthy relationships should do this rather than undermine your recovery and growth.
What is support or encourage your authentic self?
C-PTSD is commonly associated with what type of trauma history?
What is prolonged or repeated trauma?
“If I quit using, I'll have nothing to do” should be replaced with what type of thinking?
What is realistic/recovery-supportive thinking?
Can you determine whether someone has HIV or Hepatitis C simply by looking at them?
What is no?
Instead of saying, “I messed up, so there is no point in trying,” a person can practice this skill.
What is reframing/challenging an irrational thought?
Anger may sometimes cover up these more vulnerable emotions.
What are fear, hurt, sadness, rejection, shame, or disappointment?
Name one thing that can prevent someone from living authentically.
What are fear, people-pleasing, shame, unhealthy relationships, dishonesty, insecurity, or fear of rejection?
In addition to PTSD-type symptoms, C-PTSD may involve difficulties in these areas.
What are emotional regulation, relationships, and negative self-concept/self-worth?
Name two healthy coping strategies that can replace substance use.
What are exercise, journaling, meetings, talking with supports, meditation, hobbies, grounding, relaxation, or problem-solving?
What is one important action someone can take if they are unsure of their HIV or Hepatitis C status?
What is getting tested?
Name three warning signs that someone may be moving toward relapse.
What are isolation, romanticizing substance use, increased anger, stopping recovery activities, poor sleep, avoiding supports, increased cravings, or returning to old behaviors?
Explain how resentment can threaten recovery.
It can increase emotional distress, rumination, isolation, impulsivity, and the desire to escape through substance use.
What may need to happen when a relationship repeatedly undermines your recovery?
What is establishing boundaries, limiting contact, seeking support, or reevaluating the relationship?
When a trauma reminder produces an intense emotional or physical reaction, it may be called this.
What is a trauma trigger?
Identify the healthier replacement thought: “I can stop whenever I want.”
Examples: “My past attempts show that I need support,” or “Recovery requires continued action and accountability.”
Why is infectious-disease education part of recovery treatment?
It helps people understand health risks, make informed choices, obtain testing/treatment, reduce transmission risk, and improve overall health.