Relapse Red Flags
What can happen when someone stops going to meetings, isolates, and believes they no longer
need support?
Complacency or disengagement from recovery
What means accepting responsibility for your choices without blaming others?
Accountability.
What can you do before reacting when you feel very angry or upset?
Pause, breathe, or use the STOP skill
What do we call limits that protect our time, safety, and recovery?
Boundaries.
What do we call a regular daily schedule that supports healthy habits?
Routine or structure.
What type of relapse can begin before a person actually uses a substance?
Emotional or mental relapse
“Everyone else does it, so why can’t I?” is an example of what?
Rationalization or justification.
What four states does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
What is it called when someone repeatedly puts another person’s needs ahead of their own
recovery to please or rescue them?
Codependency or people-pleasing.
What helps you keep doing recovery activities even when you do not feel motivated?
Consistency or discipline
“I can hang around people who are using and be fine.” What warning sign does this suggest?
Overconfidence or minimizing relapse risk
What shows accountability better than repeatedly saying “I’m sorry”?
Consistently changing behavior and following through
What is it called when someone uses substances to avoid sadness, stress, or anger?
Emotional avoidance or self-medication
Someone pressures you to skip treatment. What communication skill can help?
Assertive communication and setting boundaries.
Name two things someone can do when a stressful day triggers a craving.
Examples: call a sponsor, attend a meeting, use coping skills, leave a risky setting
What is it called when someone remembers the “good times” of using but ignores the
consequences?
Glorifying or romanticizing past substance use
Someone attends every service but refuses to participate or practice skills. What is missing?
Meaningful engagement or application of recovery skills
What DBT skill means accepting reality without having to like it?
Radical acceptance
“If my partner relapses, I have to relapse too.” What is wrong with this belief?
It makes personal recovery dependent on another person’s choices
“Once I have a job and an apartment, I won’t need to work on recovery.” What is missing from this
thinking?
Recovery also requires ongoing coping, support, and internal change
Name three warning signs of relapse and one action to take when you notice them
Examples: isolation, secrecy, rationalizing, skipping support, romanticizing use. Action: contact support and follow a relapse-prevention plan
How can someone take responsibility after a relapse without getting stuck in shame?
Acknowledge what happened, identify warning signs, seek support, and take corrective action.
Name two healthier ways to respond to the thought “I can’t handle this feeling without using.”
Examples: grounding, urge surfing, calling support, movement, breathing, or challenging the thought
A friend keeps crossing your boundaries. Name two healthy responses
Clearly state limits; follow through, seek support, or create distance when needed
You get unexpected money, see an old using friend, and argue at home. Name three steps to
protect recovery.
Recognize triggers; set boundaries/leave risky situations; contact support and use a coping plan