Basics with Abele
What is one major goal of recovery?
To build a healthier, substance-free life and improve overall well-being.
What does MAT commonly stand for?
Medication-Assisted Treatment.
What is one benefit of attending a peer-support meeting?
Connection with people who have lived experience, encouragement, accountability, and support.
Okane realizes that nearly everyone he spends time with is currently using substances. He says, “They're my only friends. If I stop seeing them, I'll have nobody.”
Name FIVE ways Okane could begin building a healthier recovery support network.
Abele has been doing well for a year. He starts thinking, “I've proven I can stay sober. Maybe I can have one drink now with those young girls ooo-wee!!.” Name FIVE ways Abele could challenge this thought or protect his recovery.
Talk to a sponsor/support person, remember previous consequences, identify the thought as a warning sign, attend a meeting, contact her counselor, avoid alcohol, review her recovery goals, etc.
What does “relapse” mean?
Returning to substance use after a period of abstinence.
Name one medication that can be used to treat opioid use disorder.
Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone.
Name one recovery approach that does not use the traditional 12-step model.
SMART Recovery is one example.
Ant's girlfriend uses marijuana and tells him, “You've been sober for a long time. One time won't hurt.” Sean knows that marijuana was often a gateway back to other substances for him.
Name FIVE ways Ant could respond while protecting his recovery.
Jason says, “I don't need anybody. I can do recovery by myself.” He's recently stopped attending treatment and has started isolating himself. Name FIVE different types of people or supports Ashley could add to her recovery team.
Therapist, sponsor, recovery coach, doctor, peer-support group, family member, trusted friend, counselor, mentor, treatment provider, etc.
Name one benefit of attending recovery meetings or groups.
Support, accountability, connection, learning coping skills, or reducing isolation.
True or False: Taking medication for opioid use disorder means a person isn't really in recovery.
False. Medication can be an evidence-based part of recovery and can reduce cravings, withdrawal, and overdose risk.
What role can individual therapy play in recovery?
It can help someone understand triggers, manage emotions, develop coping skills, address trauma or mental-health concerns, and change unhealthy patterns.
Big Harrison has been in recovery for four months and just got a new job at Bojangles. He is excited but nervous. His coworkers regularly go out for drinks after work, and one coworker keeps inviting Big Harrison.
Name FIVE things Big Harrsion can do to protect his recovery while adjusting to his new job.
Set boundaries, politely decline drinking invitations, find sober coworkers to connect with, have an after-work recovery activity, communicate with his support system, maintain meetings/treatment, plan transportation, recognize work stress as a potential trigger, etc.
Kurt has been sober for six months. His old friends invite him to a party in tent city where he knows drugs and alcohol will be available. They tell him, “You don't have to use. Just come hang out.” Name FIVE things Kurt should consider before deciding whether to attend.
His triggers, past behavior with these friends, pressure to use, exit plan, transportation, support person, alternative activities, consequences, current recovery stability, etc.
What is a recovery support system?
People and resources that support someone in maintaining recovery.
True OR False: People can abuse Methadone and Suboxone
True
Kelly realizes that the woman he's dating is actively using and that being around her makes his cravings stronger. He cares about her but knows he needs to protect his recovery.
Name FIVE healthy choices Anthony could make to protect his recovery while handling the relationship respectfully.
Set clear boundaries, reduce or end contact, avoid using environments, talk with a counselor/support person, avoid trying to “rescue” or control the other person, focus on his own recovery, etc.
Big George moves into a sober-living home after completing treatment. He likes the structure but becomes frustrated because the house has rules about curfew, chores, visitors, and drug testing.
Name FIVE ways Big George can make the most of living in a sober-living environment.
Follow house rules, communicate with housemates, participate in house meetings, maintain employment/treatment, attend recovery meetings, take responsibility for chores, respect other residents' recovery, ask for help, etc.
Billy experiences a powerful craving after a stressful argument over building a deck. he is alone, he knows where he could get drugs, and he's telling himself that using once won't matter. Name at least FIVE recovery actions billy could take before making a decision.
Why is asking for help considered a strength in recovery?
Because recognizing when support is needed can prevent problems from becoming bigger and helps maintain recovery.
Why might someone combine medication with counseling or peer support?
Medication can address biological aspects of substance use, while counseling and peer support can address thoughts, behaviors, relationships, coping skills, and recovery support.
Someone says, “AA didn't work for me, so recovery isn't possible for me.” What could you say?
One approach not working doesn't mean recovery isn't possible. There are many pathways, you can try.
Big Saylor is six months into recovery and begins talking to a woman he met through mutual friends. He learns that she is currently using drugs and often invites him to parties where substances are present. Big Saylor says, “I can handle being around her. I won't use.”
Name FIVE reasons Tyler should think carefully about continuing this relationship
Potential triggers, emotional attachment, exposure to substances, parties/environments connected to use, pressure to use, difficulty maintaining boundaries, protecting his recovery, etc.
You are helping someone who wants to stop using substances but doesn't know where to start. Name at least FIVE different recovery resources or approaches they could consider.
NA, AA, SMART Recovery, Individual therapy, Group therapy, MAT, etc.