These are the thoughts that pop into our minds and influence emotions and behaviors.
What are automatic thoughts?
Assuming you know what others think about you without evidence.
What is mind reading?
A thought record helps individuals identify and challenge these.
What are unhelpful thoughts?
This is the ongoing process of maintaining positive changes and avoiding relapse.
What is long-term recovery?
The thought "I can handle this craving without using" is an example of this.
What is a coping thought?
This cognitive process involves examining evidence for and against a thought.
What is cognitive restructuring (or reality testing)?
Expecting the worst possible outcome in a situation.
What is catastrophizing?
This skill helps people recognize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
What is self-monitoring?
These situations, emotions, or people can increase the risk of returning to substance use.
What are triggers?
CBT encourages people to challenge these inaccurate or unhelpful patterns of thinking.
What are cognitive distortions?
The belief "I relapsed, so I'm a total failure" is an example of this cognitive distortion.
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
Focusing only on one mistake while ignoring many successes.
What is mental filtering?
The statement "One urge does not mean I have to use" reflects this CBT principle.
What is challenging automatic thoughts?
Healthy methods of handling stress instead of using substances.
What are coping skills?
Believing "One setback means I've completely failed" is this cognitive distortion.
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
These deeply held beliefs about oneself, others, and the world are often formed early
What are core beliefs?
Believing that because you feel something, it must be true.
What is emotional reasoning?
In recovery, identifying triggers helps prevent these cognitive and behavioral reactions.
What are relapse patterns?
Planning ahead for difficult situations that may threaten recovery.
What is relapse prevention?
These deeply rooted beliefs can influence long-term recovery success.
What are core beliefs?
Changing these can help improve feelings and behaviors.
What are thoughts (or cognitions)?
Seeing a single setback as a never-ending pattern of failure.
What is overgeneralization?
This strategy involves replacing an inaccurate thought with a more balanced one.
What is cognitive reframing?
Long-term recovery is strengthened when individuals engage in these positive daily activities that support wellness.
What are recovery-supportive routines (or healthy habits)?
In long-term recovery, finding meaning, purpose, and satisfaction in life supports this.
What is sustained recovery?