Triggers & Cravings
What is a common emotional trigger for substance use?
Internal - loneliness, External - being around people who use
What is one deep breathing technique that helps with stress?
Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, etc.
What chemical in the brain is responsible for pleasure and reward?
Dopamine
True or False: A slip always leads to full relapse.
False, you can learn from it and continue recovery
What does "One Day at a Time" mean?
Taking recovery one step at a time instead of worrying about the future.
True or False: Triggers always lead to relapse.
False, they can be managed with coping skills.
What does "HALT" stand for in recovery?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
True or False: Addiction is a choice.
False, it’s a brain disease.
What is the first thing you should do if you feel like relapsing?
Call a support person, use coping skills, go to a meeting.
What does "People, Places, and Things" refer to in recovery?
Avoiding old friends, locations, and behaviors tied to substance use.
What is "euphoric recall," and why is it dangerous?
Remembering substance use as only positive, increasing risk of relapse.
What is an example of a grounding technique for anxiety?
5-4-3-2-1 method, touching cold objects, etc.
What part of the brain is responsible for impulse control, which is often impaired by addiction?
The prefrontal cortex.
Name three warning signs of an upcoming relapse.
Isolation, cravings, romanticizing past use, stopping meetings, etc.
In 12-step programs, what is Step 1?
Admitting powerlessness over addiction.
Name three healthy ways to manage cravings.
Distraction, grounding techniques, talking to a sponsor, etc.
Name a physical activity that can help improve mental health.
Walking, yoga, running, etc.
What is tolerance, and why is it dangerous?
Needing more of a substance to feel the same effects, leading to higher overdose risk.
What is a relapse prevention plan, and why is it important?
A strategy to avoid relapse, including triggers, coping skills, and support.
What is a "sponsor," and why are they helpful?
A mentor in a recovery program who provides guidance and support
What is the difference between a trigger and a craving, and how can you tell them apart?
A trigger is an external or internal event that causes thoughts or emotions that may lead to substance use (e.g., stress, certain people, places, emotions). A craving is an intense desire or urge to use a substance, which can be triggered but also occur on its own. You can tell them apart because a trigger is what starts the process, while a craving is the feeling that follows. Managing triggers can prevent cravings from becoming overwhelming.
What is distress tolerance, and why is it important in recovery?
Distress tolerance refers to a person’s ability to handle emotional pain, discomfort, or stress without resorting to harmful behaviors, such as substance use. It’s important in recovery because cravings, triggers, and difficult emotions will arise, and being able to sit with discomfort and use healthy coping strategies (such as mindfulness, self-soothing, and distraction techniques) can help prevent relapse.
What is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
A set of lingering withdrawal symptoms after quitting a substance.
Role-play challenge! Your friend in recovery wants to use again. How do you respond?
Open-ended, group discussion.
True or False: You can recover without support.
False, support systems increase chances of success.