Emotional Awareness
This is the practice of naming and understanding your emotions to process them healthily.
What is emotional labeling?
This is the term for the person in a 12-step program who guides a newcomer through the steps.
What is a sponsor
This type of breathing, involving slow, deep inhales and exhales, can help reduce stress instantly.
What is deep breathing?
This DBT skill involves fully engaging in the present moment without judgment.
What is mindfulness?
Myth or Fact: You have to hit "rock bottom" before you can begin recovery.
What is a myth? (You can start recovery at any stage of readiness.
This term describes intense feelings that arise suddenly and can lead to impulsive behavior.
What are emotional triggers?
This is the group of friends, family, or peers who help you stay accountable in recovery.
What is a recovery support system?
This recovery tool involves creating a step-by-step plan to handle challenging situations.
What is a coping strategy?
This set of skills in DBT focuses on managing intense emotions without acting impulsively.
What is distress tolerance?
Myth or Fact: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is just replacing one addiction with another.
What is a myth? (MAT is an evidence-based approach that helps manage withdrawal and cravings safely.)
This recovery tool helps identify how thoughts influence emotions and behavior.
What is cognitive restructuring?
This is a type of meeting where people share experiences and offer mutual support in recovery.
What is a 12-Step meeting or support group?
This type of meditation focuses on staying present in the moment.
What is mindfulness meditation?
This skill involves maintaining healthy relationships by expressing needs and setting boundaries.
What is Interpersonal effectiveness?
Myth or Fact: Addiction recovery is a lifelong process that requires ongoing effort and commitment.
What is a fact?
This phrase refers to the practice of accepting emotions without judgment.
What is radical acceptance?
This is the term for a friend in recovery who provides encouragement and shares their journey.
What is a recovery buddy?
This activity, such as taking a walk or listening to music, is often used as a healthy distraction from stress.
What is a self-soothing activity?
This DBT strategy helps individuals recognize and regulate emotions like anger, sadness, or fear.
What is emotion regulation?
Myth or Fact: People in recovery must avoid all social settings involving alcohol or substances forever.
What is a myth? (While avoiding triggers is important, individuals can learn coping skills to navigate social situations over time.)
What is assertive communication?
This phrase encourages participants to stick close to recovery allies and meetings.
What is "stick with the winners"?
What is stress management?
This DBT skill involves using cold water, intense exercise, or paced breathing to quickly lower emotional arousal during a crisis.
What are TIP skills?
Myth or Fact: Relapse is a normal part of the recovery journey for many people.
What is a fact? (Relapse can be part of the process and an opportunity to learn and strengthen recovery strategies.)