Relapse Prevention
Feelings, individuals, or situations that cause your brain to crave substances; if you are unaware of them they could be a factor for relapse.
Triggers
a powerful desire to use substances
often perceived as "impulsive" and "uncontrollable"
craving
Describe the Roadmap to Recovery
*Stages that explain different parts of the recovery process
A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique
Mindfulness
A state of mind where you are thankful and taking notice of the good things in your life, rather than focusing on the bad
gratitude
These thoughts are harmful in recovery and can be things we tell ourselves to talk us into using again
Relapse justification thoughts
bonus: 100pts to anyone willing to share a time when they had a justification thought
Someone who guides a newcomer through the process of 12-step groups
sponsor
200 bonus points for sharing what you know about sponsorship, what you like about the idea of it, and how a "bad" sponsor could affect recovery success.
What does the "Wall" Stage look like in the Roadmap to Recovery?
bonus question anyone can answer: describe your time in the wall stage
*third stage
*"normal" life; anhedonia; emotional swings; decreased ability to feel pleasure; "doctor shopping"; loss of motivation; secondary drug/alcohol use; breakdown of structure
The practice of taking an active role in regularly doing things that improve your well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress
self-care
Refusing to admit the truth about addiction and its consequences to ourselves.
Denial
Believing in our ability so greatly that it can cause us setbacks or problems in relation to recovery and mental health
overconfidence
What are the physical symptoms experienced after detoxification that relate to the "bodily healing" from substance abuse?
Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms or (PAWS)
What "Stage of Change" fits the following description:
some awareness of the problem; thinking about pros/cons; some awareness of changing; going back and forth on willingness
Contemplation
Getting support from a neutral person who can help with mental health and addiction concerns
therapy or counseling
Name at least 3 reasons people use drugs/alcohol
To feel better (stress, depression, etc)
To feel good (socially, pleasure, relaxation)
Curiosity (peer pressure, seeking a thrill, etc)
Fear of withdrawal (using to avoid feeling ill/dope sick/ hungover) ex: drinking as an "eye opener"
What is the very first step in the eleven steps of the relapse process?
You have a change of attitude
*irritable; complaining about recovery activities; stop doing recovery activities...
What does the acronym HALT stand for?
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired
Five possible PAWS symptoms are...
*irritability; stress sensitivity; fatigue; paranoia; difficulty concentrating; tremors; sleep issues; memory problems...
Doing or thinking about something different when you feel yourself being triggered to use substances
Opposite Action
What are the steps of DEARMAN?
D- Describe; E-Express; A- Assert; R-Reinforce; M-Mindful; A-Appear Confident; N-Negotiate
*For 200 bonus points, roleplay a DEARMAN script
How could over commitment lead to relapse?
This can lead to feeling overloaded and under pressure.
increased stress that promotes escapism
encourages grandiosity and wishful thinking in high risk situations
recovery is not a race- it can set unrealistic expectations for recovery.
Using another hobby, substance, or activity to replace or substitute feelings/results that you used to get from using
cross addiction
What are the five stages of change?
Pre-contemplation; Contemplation; Preparation; Action; Maintenance
Bonus: 100 points to identify which stage they are in and why
What are the pros and cons of "emotional release" as a coping skill?
Pros: releases the pressure of overwhelming emotions
Cons: cannot be done in every situation. some people might think you are acting crazy
Name 3 reasons that can influence whether or not a person becomes addicted
Genetics (family history)
Age
Environmental factors (neighborhood, friends)
Gender
Ethnicity