Behaviors & Symptoms
A client avoids family, isolates, and stops engaging in hobbies.
What are behavioral warning signs of addiction?
A client says, “Every time I drive past the liquor store, I want to drink.”
What is an environmental trigger?
The client says, “I don’t think I have a problem.”
What is denial.
A client states they can’t attend treatment due to lack of transportation.
What is a social or environmental barrier?
The client practices calling a friend when cravings hit.
What is using a support system?
The client reports, “I feel shaky, nauseous, and anxious when I don’t drink.”
What are withdrawal symptoms?
“I crave drugs most when I’m bored or stressed.”
What are emotional triggers?
A client agrees to treatment but does nothing to engage.
What is ambivalence?
A client says they are afraid of withdrawal symptoms.
What is a physical barrier or fear of detox?
A client journals to identify what leads to relapse.
What is building insight or trigger tracking?
*DAILY DOUBLE*
A client uses substances even after losing their job and relationships.
What is continued use despite consequences?
A client reports, “I relapsed even though I wasn’t planning to.”
What are subconscious or automatic behavior patterns?
The client says, “I want to quit but I’m scared I’ll fail again.”
What is fear of relapse (a common barrier to change)?
A client fears their partner will break up with them if they enter treatment.
What is relationship pressure or lack of support?
A client uses grounding and deep-breathing exercises during cravings.
What is coping skills training?
he client reports "I only drink on weekends," but their BAL on arrival is 0.18.
What is minimization or denial?
A client is sober but begins isolating, skipping meetings, and becoming irritable.
What is emotional relapse (the first stage of relapse)?
A client tries to bargain, saying, “I’ll quit everything except alcohol.”
What is negotiating or bargaining stage of change?
A client reports they feel judged and ashamed discussing their substance use.
What is stigma or internalized shame?
A client attends meetings, therapy, and follows a relapse prevention plan.
What is maintaining recovery or aftercare engagement?
A client who recently detoxed reports intense sadness, low energy, and poor concentration for weeks.
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?
The client states they drink “to feel normal” rather than to get drunk.
What is physiological dependence or craving due to dopamine deficit?
*DAILY DOUBLE*
A client describes feeling like they “lose control” when cravings hit.
What is impaired impulse regulation due to addiction?
A client with chronic homelessness struggles with appointment attendance.
What is instability of basic needs
A client who previously used drugs to numb emotions begins processing feelings in therapy.
What is emotional regulation