Communication
This term refers to the exchange of information, emotions, thoughts, and needs between people.
What is communication?
When stressed, overwhelmed, or emotionally dysregulated some people do this.
What is shut down, become defensive, lash out, people-please, or avoid conversations?
This painful emotion from past behaviors can create walls that make openness difficult.
What is shame?
These “invisible lines” define what is acceptable and protect your well-being.
What are boundaries?
Depression may cause ______ and ______, making it hard to express needs.
What are withdrawal and hopelessness?
Communication is described as this type of process, meaning it involves speaking, listening, interpreting body language, and reading emotional cues.
What is two-way process?
Ways you can express your needs, limits, and feelings to others.
What is clear, indirect, passive, assertive, apologetic?
People may withhold feelings because they fear this — being misunderstood or criticized.
What is judgment?
This protects you from toxic relationships and manipulative behaviors.
What is an emotional boundary?
Depression and anxiety can _______ _______ patterns.
What is disrupt communication?
Connection helps reduce this emotional state that often leads to _____ & ______ in recovery.
What is loneliness & isolation?
Ways that would reduce how you listen effectively when others speak to you.
What are attention span, judgment, emotional reactions, distractions?
Feeling “not good enough” can inhibit the ability to advocate for oneself, set boundaries, or ask for support.
What is lack of self-confidence/ self-worth?
Protecting your meeting schedule is an example of this type of boundary.
What is a time boundary?
This escalates conflicts, increase shame, and feed relapse triggers.
What is poor communication?
Talking openly about struggles promotes this quality, which reduces secrecy and supports recovery.
What is accountability?
Ways your communication can change since beginning recovery.
What are improvements, setbacks, or ongoing struggles?
Trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn can interfere with this interpersonal skill.
What is healthy communication?
Saying “I don’t feel safe talking when I’m being yelled at” is an example of this boundary category.
What is a communication boundary?
Many people used substances to numb emotions they didn’t feel safe enough to do this with.
What is talk about them?
Honest communication helps process these three difficult emotional experiences often tied to substance use history.
What are trauma, grief, and shame?
This is the key to change.
What is self-awareness?
Intense anger, fear, or sadness can impair this ability to communicate thoughtfully.
What is emotional dysregulation?
Boundaries help prevent burnout, resentment, and triggers; all of which support this major recovery goal.
What is relapse prevention?
Managing dual diagnoses requires this essential skill — expressing needs around therapy, medication, and support.
What is self-advocacy?