Recovery Basics
What does sobriety mean?
Abstaining from alcohol/drugs or other substances identified in a person's recovery plan
Name one common trigger for substance use
Stress, people, places, emotions, conflict, etc.
Name one healthy coping skill
Walking, music, meditation, calling support, journaling...
How many steps are there?
12
Name one basic emotion.
Anger, sadness, fear, happiness...
What is a support system?
People/resources that help someone maintain recovery.
What is the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger can activate the urge; a craving is the urge/desire to use
What is grounding?
A technique that brings attention back to the present moment
What is the main idea of Step 1?
Admitting powerlessness and recognizing life has become unmanageable
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, & Tired
What is one difference between abstinence and recovery?
Abstinence is not using; recovery also involves changes in thinking, behavior, relationships, and lifestyle.
Name three warning signs that could happen before a relapse.
Isolation, romanticizing use, skipping meetings, increased stress, dishonesty, etc
Name three coping skills for a strong craving.
Call someone, exercise, distraction, grounding, meeting, prayer...
What is the purpose of making an inventory in Step 4?
To honestly examine behaviors, resentments, fears, patterns, and harms.
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
Seeing things in extremes, such as "I messed up once, so I might as well give up.
Why is honesty important in recovery
It helps identify problems, accept help, build trust, and interrupt denial or secrecy
What is romanticizing substance use, and why can it be dangerous?
Remembering the good while minimizing consequences, which can increase cravings or relapse risk
Explain the play-the-tape-forward coping skill.
Imagine what realistically happens after using, including consequences - not just the immediate relief/high
What is the difference between Steps 6 and 7?
Step 6 focuses on becoming ready to have character defects removed; Step 7 focuses on humbly asking for help with them.
What is the difference between guilt and shame?
Guilt focuses on "I did something wrong"; shame often becomes "I am something wrong."
Why can someone stop using substances but still continue unhealthy addictive patterns?
Underlying thinking, coping patterns, behaviors, relationships, or emotional issues may still need to change.
Create a quick relapse-prevention plan containing four things you would do if you suddenly had an intense craving.
Answers vary but should include healthy/supportive actions
You are at a 9/10 craving and your normal coping skill is not working. Name four additional actions.
Change environment, contact support, attend a meeting, remove access, grounding, exercise, seek professional support, etc.
What does "progress, not perfection" mean in recovery?
Recovery focuses on continued growth and learning rather than expecting flawless behavior
Explain how thought -> feeling -> behavior can affect recovery. Give an example
"Nobody cares" -> loneliness -> isolation -> increased vulnerability to using