Cravings and Triggers
What is a trigger?
Anything that sparks thoughts, feelings, or urges to use substances.
What is one healthy coping skill you can use in the moment of a craving?
Deep breathing, calling a friend, journaling, going for a walk.
What is Step 1?
What is Step 1?
What is the purpose of emotions?
They signal our needs and motivate us to act.
True or False: Relapse is always a part of recovery.
False. It is common, but not required.
Name one common internal trigger.
Stress, loneliness, anger, boredom, or sadness.
What does the acronym HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Which Step involves making amends?
Step 9.
True or False: Ignoring emotions makes them go away.
False. Ignoring them often makes them stronger.
Name one early warning sign of relapse.
Isolation, skipping meetings, romanticizing use, increased irritability.
How long does a craving last without focusing on them?
True or False: Cravings usually last forever.
Name one mindfulness technique used in recovery.
Meditation, grounding (5-4-3-2-1), or urge surfing.
Which Step is about turning your will and life over to a Higher Power?
Step 3.
What physical signs might you notice when you feel anxious?
What physical signs might you notice when you feel anxious?
What’s the first thing you should do if you feel close to relapse?
Reach out for support (sponsor, peer, counselor).
What’s an example of an external trigger?
People, places, or things associated with past use (like bars, old friends, or music).
How can exercise help with recovery?
Reduces stress, improves mood, and releases natural endorphins.
What is the purpose of Step 4?
To make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
What is the difference between primary and secondary emotions?
Primary emotions are immediate, natural responses (like fear or joy); secondary emotions are reactions to primary emotions (like shame about feeling sad).
What is one healthy way to handle romanticizing past use when it comes up in your mind?
Challenge the thought by remembering the negative consequences, talk it out with a sponsor or peer, or replace it with gratitude for sobriety.
What brain chemical is often linked to craving and reward?
Dopamine.
What is “opposite action” in DBT?
Choosing the opposite behavior of the unhelpful urge (example: calling a sponsor instead of isolating).
Step 12 talks about having a spiritual awakening and carrying the message. What does this mean in practice?
Step 12 talks about having a spiritual awakening and carrying the message. What does this mean in practice?
What is one healthy coping strategy for regulating intense emotions?
Deep breathing, journaling, grounding techniques, talking with someone supportive, or mindfulness.
What is the difference between a slip and a relapse?
A slip is a red flag for a relapse: relapse is a use of substance