Healthy Coping Skills
Name a healthy coping skill that works for you.
Name one example of an unhealthy coping skill.
- avoiding the problem
- Yelling at others
- Harming others or yourself
Which of the following is a benefit of using healthy coping skills?
a.) they reduce stress
b.) they allow us to create better relationships
c.) they allow us to have a healthy mind and body
d.) all of the above
d.) all of the above
True or False:
Talking to others about problems in our lives is a healthy coping skill.
TRUE!
Talking to others allows us to share our emotions and problems so that we do not have to go through them alone.
Your friend from childhood asks you to go to a party; you haven't seen each other in a while because you isolated yourself during your heavy drug use. He/she says they won't pressure you to drink but you aren't sure how you would feel with your drug of choice in front of you.
There isn't a set correct answer, but going to the party would be the wrong thing to do. (You are going against your better judgment. If you have to question it... Don't do it!)
What is the difference between an internal and external coping skill?
Internal- can be implemented using only YOU.
External- Involves others
Name two unhealthy coping skills you implemented before entering inpatient
what are your plans once you graduate from inpatient
answers may vary
True or False:
Every coping skill is healthy.
FALSE!
Some ways that we learn to cope are not healthy for us! (ex: smoking, drinking, gambling, etc.)
Your family is still treating you like you are actively using. You know you're doing the right thing and have been clean for over four months.
Allow them to feel the way they do. Keep on track with recovery. The mistrust will gradually reduce.
Healthy coping skills help us:
a.) Deal with stressors in our lives
b.) Work through our emotions and problems
c.) Process our thoughts and emotions
d.) All of the above
d.) All of the above
Using healthy coping skills allow us to take a minute and process what is happening with our emotions, stressors, thoughts, and problems.
What unhealthy coping skill did you find yourself using while being in inpatient?
what was your biggest takeaway from Inpatient?
answers may vary
True or False:
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives.
FALSE!
Coping skills help us work through our problems and emotions. You do not want to avoid these! Avoiding is considered an unhealthy coping skill.
An old friend sees you coming home and asks you to make a few "deals" for them. The sight of your drug of choice disgusts you and you could use the money
A friend asks you to take them to the liquor store in exchange for gas money. The sight of your drug of choice disgusts you and you could use the money
AVOID people, places and things.
Which example(s) is/are an internal coping skill?
a. walking
b. talking with your therapist
c. attending NA/AA meeting
d. journaling
A peer offers you a cigarette while you're here. You have no plan to stop smoking and it is not "hardcore drug." Why is this wrong?
This is a form of manipulation "getting over the system." Not following rules that are put in place is demonstrating addictive behavior
what is your least favorite part about inpatient? How did you deal with it?
answers may vary
True or False:
Coping skills help you focus on the important things in your life.
TRUE!
When we can cope with problems in our lives, it is easier to focus on everything else that is important to us!
You have been clean for over a year now and have your own apartment. Your kids still do not want to live with you and do not feel comfortable staying overnight
Human rights... give them the space *remember gaining trust from others may be the last thing that happens*
Categorize which coping skills are internal and external.
- Playing a game
- Talking to someone
- Watching t.v./movies
- Exercising
- Playing sports
- Arts and Crafts
Why can indulging in a new romantic relationship early in recovery be detrimental?
-Foundation of the relationship won't be as strong (love yourself first)
-Will not be able to demonstrate healthy relationship qualities. (compromise, quality time etc.)
What is a healthy leisure skill you know you will start participating in?
answers may vary
True or False:
Coping skills are not important to your well-being, they are only used so you can do the right thing.
FALSE!
Coping skills create a sense of calmness, confidence, and inner-peace. They are important for your overall health.
Your peers in rehab have been talking about you and you are now labeled as something you are not.
Don't engage. If you are not in danger, why bother?