Coping Skills
Name one healthy coping skill you’ve used before
Periyat✨
What’s a common external trigger?
Places, people, objects, or situations linked to past substance use.
What distortion makes you think everything is black or white?
All-or-nothing thinking.
What’s one thing you enjoy that makes you feel like “you”?
This is personal— can be anything joyful or grounding.
What part of the brain controls automatic survival functions like breathing and heartbeat, and is often overactive in trauma responses?
The brainstem 🧠🩷
What coping skill can help ground you during a craving?
The 5-4-3-2-1 method or any grounding/mindfulness skill.
True or False: Cravings will always go away on their own.
False — they can pass, but often need a coping strategy or redirection.
“I messed up once, so I’ll never get better” — what’s this called?
Overgeneralization.
What’s something you won’t miss about your addiction?
This is personal — can include isolation, shame, physical health, etc.
What’s neuroplasticity and why is it powerful for people in recovery from trauma or addiction?
It’s the brain’s ability to heal and rewire—proving we can form new habits and emotional responses over time.
What does HALT stand for, and why is it important in recovery?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — these states can increase vulnerability to relapse.
What’s the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger is the cause; a craving is the urge that follows.
What’s the distortion where you assume people are thinking negatively about you without evidence?
Mind reading or personalization
What’s a small self-care activity you can do today?
This is personal — showering, stretching, affirmations, etc.
What brain region detects threats and sets off fear responses—and becomes overactive in PTSD?
The amygdala.
How can art or creative expression help in recovery?
It allows emotional release and builds a non-verbal way to process.
What’s one way to prevent acting on a craving?
Urge surfing, calling someone, distraction, deep breathing.
What’s emotional reasoning?
Believing something is true because it feels true.
How can rediscovering old hobbies help in recovery?
Reconnects with identity, reminds you of your reasons, builds positive routine, boosts joy.
How does trauma affect the brain’s ability to tell the difference between real and perceived danger?
It can make the brain stay stuck in “survival mode,” reacting strongly even when things are safe.
Name 3 coping skills that don’t involve screens, substances, or food.
Answers may include: stretching, talking to someone, writing, cleaning, etc.
Describe a situation where someone could turn a trigger into an opportunity for growth.
So many ways. Recognizing a pattern and seeking support, etc.
Reframe this: “I feel like I’ll never be normal again, so there’s no point in trying."
Open-ended — should reflect hope and challenge emotional reasoning (e.g., “Recovery takes time, but I’ve already made progress”).
Describe a version of yourself that you are working toward.
This is personal — can describe goals, mindset, lifestyle changes.
Which parts of the brain are known for being the most "neuroplastic"?
The hippocampus, amygdala, and cortex.