Scenario: Your partner decides to end the relationship despite your efforts to fix things.
Prompt: How can you practice radical acceptance?
Accept that the relationship has ended, acknowledge your feelings, and recognize that you cannot change your partner’s decision.
What does the S in STOP stand for? Use it in an example.
STOP-
When you notice that you are feeling overwhelmed or about to react impulsively, just STOP. Pause immediately.
What is an example of Emotional Mind?
Getting in trouble with Boss, Partner, Friend etc..
Then
Drinking, Using, Yelling at them..
Scenario: You are experiencing intense panic and racing heart.
Prompt: What TIP skill can you use?
Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice pack to activate the dive reflex.
Scenario: You need your boss to approve time off for a medical appointment.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN to make your request.
Scenario: You receive a chronic medical diagnosis.
Prompt: How would you use radical acceptance?
Accept the diagnosis as reality, stop fighting against it, and focus on managing your health moving forward.
What does the T in STOP stand for? Use it in an example
Take a Step Back-
Physically and mentally take a step back from the situation. This could mean leaving the room, taking a deep breath, or simply pausing your actions and thoughts.
What is an example of Reasonable Mind?
You ignore how you feel about (losing a job, fight with a partner, getting in a car accident)
Because
You want to just deal with the situation
Scenario: You feel overwhelmed and can’t focus.
Prompt: Apply a TIP skill.
Do intense physical exercise (e.g., jumping jacks or running in place) for a few minutes.
Scenario: You want a friend to respect your boundaries about substance use.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.
Scenario: You miss an important deadline at work and cannot change the outcome.
Prompt: Apply radical acceptance.
Acknowledge the missed deadline, accept that it cannot be undone, and focus on learning from the situation.
What does the O in STOP mean? Use it in an example
Observe-
Observe what is happening inside and around you without judgment. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, as well as what others are doing and saying.
Skipping a group, meeting, or checking in because you don't want to get in trouble
Scenario: You are emotionally flooded after an argument.
Prompt: Use a TIP skill.
Practice paced breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds.
Scenario: You need a roommate to lower the noise at night.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.
Scenario: Your family is not supportive of your recovery process.
Prompt: Practice radical acceptance.
Accept your family’s current stance, recognize you cannot force their support, and focus on seeking support elsewhere.
What does the P in STOP mean? Use it in an example
Proceed Mindfully-
After you've taken a moment to stop, step back, and observe, proceed mindfully. Make a conscious choice about how to respond rather than reacting impulsively.
Example of Clean Mind
Hanging around friends that are triggering because you are 'cured now'. When it's an ongoing process
Scenario: You are shaking and unable to calm down after receiving bad news.
Prompt: Use a TIP skill.
Try paired muscle relaxation: tense and release muscle groups while breathing slowly.
Scenario: You want a family member to attend therapy with you.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.
Scenario: You are stuck in traffic and will be late for an appointment.
Prompt: Use radical acceptance.
Accept that you cannot control the traffic, let go of frustration, and focus on what you can do next.
Come up with an example of a difficult scenario. Demonstrate how you can use STOP
Stop
Take a step back
Observe
Proceed Mindfully
How Can someone be in Clear Mind?
You enjoy your sobriety, while still expecting urges and triggers, and planning for when you're tempted
Scenario: You feel emotionally overwhelmed and unable to think clearly.
Prompt: Use a TIP skill.
Hold your breath and submerge your face in cold water for a few seconds to quickly lower arousal.
Scenario: You need your healthcare provider to explain medication side effects.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.