Triggers
What is a trigger?
Answer: Anything that increases thoughts, cravings, or urges to use substances.
What does relapse mean?
Returning to substance use after a period of abstinence or recovery.
Myth or Fact: Addiction is a moral failing.
Myth.
Name one grounding technique.
Answer: 5-4-3-2-1, deep breathing, body scan, etc.
Name one feeling that can increase cravings.
Anxiety, sadness, anger, loneliness, boredom, etc.
Name two examples of emotional triggers.
Anger, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, shame, boredom, etc.
Name one symptom of withdrawal.
Sweating, nausea, shaking, anxiety, insomnia, body aches, etc.
Myth or Fact: Recovery is different for everyone.
Fact.
What coping skill involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment?
Mindfulness.
What emotion is often hidden underneath anger?
Hurt, fear, shame, sadness, or disappointment.
True or False: Triggers go away completely after treatment.
False.
What is one benefit of having a sponsor or recovery support person?
Accountability, encouragement, guidance, support, etc.
Myth or Fact: You have to hit rock bottom before getting help.
Myth.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, what's one healthy thing you can do before reacting?
Pause, breathe, call someone, take a walk, etc.
True or False: Feeling uncomfortable emotions means recovery isn't working.
False.
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
True or False: Cravings usually last forever if you don't act on them.
False. Most cravings peak and eventually decrease.
Myth or Fact: Mental health can affect substance use.
Fact.
Name two activities that can improve mood naturally.
Exercise, listening to music, hobbies, journaling, spending time outside, etc.
What does emotional regulation mean?
Managing emotions in healthy ways.
Name three healthy ways to cope with triggers.
Calling support people, journaling, meetings, exercise, mindfulness, grounding skills, etc.
Name the three stages of relapse
Emotional, Mental, and Physical relapse.
Myth or Fact: One drink or one use can sometimes lead back to old patterns.
Fact.
Why is self-care important in recovery?
It helps prevent burnout, reduces stress, and supports emotional regulation.
Why can isolation become dangerous in recovery?
It can increase depression, cravings, shame, and reduce accountability.