RISK PATTERNS
This common but avoidable state of mind often creeps in when there’s nothing to do, and can lead people to chase excitement or relief in unhealthy ways, especially during early recovery
BOREDOM
These are the people outside our family who we allow to get close to us: They can either lift you up or lead you into trouble, depending on who you choose to associate with
FRIENDS
A powerful yet very common emotion that can mask hurt feelings, fuel aggression, trigger relapse, or motivate change—depending on how we manage it
ANGER
Because setbacks are often part of the process of recovery from substance use and mental health challenges, developing this powerful quality helps us to be able to “bounce back” and keep moving forward -
RESILIENCE
This doll got her first job as a fashion designer in 1960.
BARBIE
It might show up as a gut feeling, a change in routine, or slipping back into old habits or behaviors. If overlooked or ignored, it can quietly lead you closer to relapse before you even realize what’s happening.
WARNING SIGN
This useful device almost everyone has can be a quick way to contact a positive support, but make sure to remove drug dealers, back stabbers, and drama starters from it if you want to stay on a positive path
CELL PHONE
This triggering and often sad emotion is closely associated with losing someone or something or the anniversary of the loss
GRIEF
While how we speak to others matters, but changing for the better often depends on learning to speak more positively to this special person—the one we’re always around
SELF/OURSELVES (POSITIVE SELF-TALK)
This Detroit born hip hop icon nearly died of overdose in 2007 after a long struggle with addiction. Has since maintained sobriety (as of 2008) but has spoken about relapsing prior to that point
EMINEM
When progress seems to stall and whatever we try no longer seems to work, these stagnating moments in the process of recovery and positive change are called?
STUCK POINTS
These special days that come up several times per year are often associated with family traditions and parties which can be challenging to deal with especially early in recovery
Holidays/Anniversaries
This can be experienced physically in our body or emotionally in our mind, and in either case, it can trigger the urge to self-medicate as a way to escape.
PAIN
Octopuses have this many hearts.
3
This six-time grammy winning vocalist sold over 200 million records but had intermittent periods of sobriety and struggled with relapse for many years until 2012
WHITNEY HOUSTON
This type of challenge can appear as a situation, feeling, problem, or mindset that gets in the way of progress. It doesn't mean failure—but it does adjust our approach to get around it?
OBSTACLE OR BARRIER
We need this to survive in this world and almost everyone wants more of it, but when you get a lot of it at once it can this be a huge trigger
MONEY
The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
FOOTSTEPS
Coping with substance use and mental health challenges is never about perfection—what truly matters is striving for a little more of this positive change each day
PROGRESS
This actor and movie star was once on one of the biggest shows in TV, making almost 2 million per episode until he was fired due to his drug use and erratic behavior in 2011 and then later eventually contracted HIV due to his risky lifestyle.
CHARLIE SHEEN
This risky pattern of behavior bypasses thinking, planning, and self-control—leading straight into action, often followed by consequences like regret, setbacks, trouble, or relapse?
Impulsivity/ Impulsiveness
Common objects a person associates with substance use that can be triggering such as straws, razors, spoons, pipes
Paraphernalia
This dangerous mindset makes people believe they’re past the danger, ignoring warning signs and thinking they’ve got it all under control—even when they don’t
OVERCONFIDENCE/COCKINESS
When emotions start to spiral or anxiety takes over, this coping skill helps bring us back to the present moment by using our senses or focusing on what’s around us or even what is directly beneath our feet
GROUNDING
This singer's real name is Robyn Fenty, but you probably know her by this stage name.
RIHANNA