Scenarios
You’ve just received a call from someone you used to party with. They’re inviting you to a get-together tonight. You know there will be drinking and possibly drugs.
What is “Hey, I appreciate the invite, but I’m in recovery now. I’m working hard to stay clean, and that kind of environment isn’t safe for me.”
Experiences, people, places, and feelings associated with your substance use
What is a trigger?
Feelings of wanting to use substances or anticipating using substances.
What is a craving?
A coping skill you can use when experiencing a craving or urge to use.
What is distraction?
You’re back at work. It’s your first week, and your boss is piling on tasks. You’re feeling anxious and tempted to use to cope.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed. I need to take a short break and use some of the coping tools I learned in treatment. I’ll regroup and get back to this.”
feelings people have before or while they use substances
What is an internal trigger?
thinking only of the "fun and good" memories of active use.
What is euphoric recall/glamorizing/romanticizing?
You’ve hit a milestone—30 days sober. But part of you feels like you deserve a reward, and your mind starts romanticizing past use.
“I’ve worked hard for these 30 days, and the real reward is staying clean. I’ll treat myself with something healthy—maybe a massage or a good meal.”
people, places, or things associated with substance use
What is external triggers?
distorting how hard sobriety it, dwelling on how much work it requires, while minimizing the benefits gained form being sober
What is awfulizing?
You’re in a hotel room, alone. You’re feeling isolated and tempted.
“Hey, I’m struggling right now. I’m alone and feeling tempted. Can you talk for a few minutes and help me stay grounded?”
sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch which are related to substance use.
What is sensory triggers?
the distorted belief that returning to use will solve problems, relieve stress, and make things better
What is magical thinking?
You’re hit with a strong craving. It’s intense and feels like it won’t pass.
“I know this craving will pass. I’m going to breathe, distract myself, and call someone if I need to. I’ve gotten through worse.”
Things you can do to cope with triggers.
What is relapse prevention/use coping skills?
distraction, asking for help, developing an action plan, working with a sponsor, attending therapy, etc.
What are coping skills/relapse prevention skills?