Types of Critical Warning Signs
Critical warning signs are ____ ______ that signal movement away from recovery toward relapse.
early indicators
What happens when warning signs are ignored?
emotional discomfort increases, thinking becomes more distorted, and urges may grow stronger
What is one of the most important ways to potentially avoid relapse?
How many warning signs are there?
5
Critical warning signs assist with three important things in recovery.
1. time to pause
2. slow down
3. make a different choice
_____ ______ creates space for choice. While ____ ______ often leads to crisis.
1. Early awareness
2. Late awareness
What are some addictive behaviors that may lead to relapse?
emotional shifts, changes in thinking, behavioral avoidance or risk taking, gradual disconnection from recovery supports
What is the purpose of the "feelings" section and what do they do?
to identify what emotions are present
how intense they feel
whether they build gradually or appear suddenly
Naming emotions reduces their power and increases emotional regulation
What was one of Anthony's earliest warning signs of potential relapse?
distancing himself from support
What are some some characteristics of an individual's top 3 warning signs?
They escalate quickly
They have led to relapse in the past
Feel especially dangerous when ignored
What are the three important truths about warning signs?
1. having warning signs does not make you weak
2. It does not mean you have failed
3. It does not mean that relapse is inevitable
Explain the purpose of the "reactions" section
Understanding your reactions helps you to identify where change is possible
What are the 4 types of critical warning signs?
1. Emotional
2. Mental
3. Behavioral
4. Attitude and Belief
What are some warning signs that an individual may be romanticizing their past substance use?
feeling nostalgic
minimizing harm
keeping in touch with risky connections/environments
Many people describe relapse as beginning _____ or even ______ before actual substance use occurs.
weeks, months
What were the two of the most evident warning signs for Samantha?
she stopped journaling and no longer reflected on her triggers
What was the cause of Lauren's critical warning sign, and what was this warning sign that she experienced and did not address?
1. Cause- feeling emotionally overwhelmed due to work.
2. bottling up her emotions
What was a major contributing factor to one of Brandon's warning signs?
What were some of Michelle's warning signs that, if not managed, could lead to relapse?
withdrawal, isolation, avoidance
Specific _____ matter. The clearer the _____, the easier it is to recognize.
details, description