Triggers & Cravings
This is anything that increases the urge to use.
What is a trigger?
This tool involves waiting before acting on an urge.
What is delay?
This feeling is often covered up by anger.
What is fear, hurt, shame, sadness
Relapse usually begins here, before the substance.
What is thinking?
Recovery is not meant to be done this way.
What is alone?
This internal trigger often shows up as “I deserve it” or “I can’t handle this.”
What is distorted thinking/cravings?
This coping skill means leaving a risky situation early.
What is “leave a bad scene”?
This emotion often increases relapse risk when ignored.
This warning sign includes isolating and skipping support.
What is emotional relapse?
This person is someone you contact before—not after—a slip.
What is a sponsor/support person?
HALT reminds us to watch out for these four states
What are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired?
This tool focuses on the long-term results, not short-term relief.
Answer: What is thinking it through / consequences?
Emotional sobriety means feeling emotions without doing this.
What is using, acting out, avoiding
This plan answers “What will I do if things go sideways?”
What is a relapse prevention plan?
This boundary protects recovery even when it feels uncomfortable.
What is saying no?
This craving myth says urges last forever.
What is “cravings will pass”?
This skill means changing unhelpful thoughts to more realistic ones.
What is cognitive restructuring / changing the tape?
Name one healthy way to express anger.
What is talking, journaling, exercising, setting boundaries?
Name one common “justification” thought before relapse.
What is “I can handle it,” “One won’t hurt,” “No one will know”?
Name one sign your support system is working.
What is accountability, honesty, connection, encouragement?
Name one healthy thing to do during the first 20 minutes of a craving.
What is call someone, distract, breathe, walk, pray, journal, delay?
Name one healthy thing to do during the first 20 minutes of a craving.
What is call someone, distract, breathe, walk, pray, journal, delay?
This feeling often improves when gratitude is practiced regularly.
What is depression, resentment, anxiety?
This action can stop relapse at almost any stage.
What is asking for help?
This recovery truth says progress matters more than this.
What is perfection?