Relapse Prevention
The stage of relapse for a client that begins skipping meetings because they "don't really need them anymore."
What is emotional relapse.
Name three common cognitive distortions associated with addiction.
What are All-or-nothing thinking, Catastrophizing, Personalization, Emotional reasoning, Mind reading, and Minimization.
Emotional regulation is considered a relapse prevention skill because...
What is many people use substances to manage uncomfortable emotions. Learning to identify, tolerate, and regulate emotions reduces the need to use substances as a coping mechanism.
Name at least 3 reasons cravings often become weaker over time in recovery.
What are:
The brain gradually heals, conditioned responses weaken, and individuals develop healthier coping skills.
Your boss criticizes your work and you immediately want to use - identify a trigger, a feeling, and a healthy response.
What are
Trigger: Receiving criticism;
Feelings: hurt, shame, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, frustration;
Healthy Response: Pause, use coping skills, challenge negative thoughts, call a support person, or process the experience with a trusted individual.
The cognitive distortion for a person who tells themselves, "I could probably have just one drink."
What is rationalization or minimizing.
A client says, "I've already ruined my sobriety, so I might as well keep using." What thinking error is this?
What is All-or-nothing thinking.
Describe the difference between reacting and responding.
What is
The part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, and how is it affected by addiction.
What is the prefrontal cortex. Addiction weakens its ability to make sound decisions, delay gratification, and control impulses.
You unexpectedly receive $5,000. Name three recovery-focused decisions that would reduce relapse risk.
What are discuss spending plans with a trusted support person; Pay essential bills or debts; Save or invest part of the money.
List three behavioral warning signs that often occur before a physical relapse.
What are Isolation, Dishonesty, Romanticizing substance use.
Shame increases relapse risk by...
What is shame often leads to isolation, secrecy, hopelessness, and avoidance of support.
A craving begins while you're driving home from work. Name at least three coping skills you could you use, and why would it help?
What are:
Urge surfing, Deep breathing, Calling a sponsor or support person, Grounding exercises
These strategies interrupt the craving cycle until the urge naturally decreases.
The reason environmental cues trigger cravings even after months of sobriety...
What is the brain associates certain people, places, emotions, or objects with substance use.
You attend a family gathering where alcohol is present. Name four strategies you could use to protect your recovery.
What are
Bring a sober support person; Limit your time there; Have an exit plan; Call your sponsor before and after.
Confidence is sometimes a relapse risk during early recovery because...
What is overconfidence can lead individuals to underestimate triggers, stop using coping skills, disengage from treatment, or believe they can safely return to high-risk environments.
Explain the difference between guilt and shame.
What is
Guilt = "I did something bad."
Shame = "I am bad."
Name at least 4 essential components of an effective relapse prevention plan.
What are
Personal triggers, Early warning signs, Healthy coping skills, Daily recovery routine, High-risk situations and avoidance strategies.
The Neurotransmitter that is heavily involved in the brains reward system and addiction...
What is Dopamine.
Name 3 things you would do if you notice another resident beginning to isolate, skip groups, and become irritable.
What are
Check in privately and express concern; Encourage the individual to talk with staff; Notify the treatment team if concerns persist.
A client has been sober for 60 days, stopped attending meetings, started texting old using friends, says, "I don't think I was ever really addicted," and is becoming increasingly isolated.
List at least five relapse warning signs.
What are: Stopped attending recovery meetings, Contacting former using friends, Denial/minimization, Social isolation, Reduced accountability.
Changing thinking patterns is considered just as important as stopping substance use because...
What is... addictive beliefs often drive behaviors. Recovery requires changing both behavior and underlying thinking.
Challenge the belief that says, "I'm having cravings because I'm weak."
What are
Replace it with a balanced thought (e.g., "Cravings are a normal part of recovery and do not mean I'm weak.").
Engage in a healthy coping strategy and seek support.
Explain why recovery involves "rewiring the brain...
What is repeated healthy behaviors strengthen new neural pathways while reducing reliance on the addictive reward system.
A client has 18 months sober but suddenly relapses after a divorce. Name at least five contributing factors that might explain why this occurred.
What are grief and loss, depression, isolation, stress, poor sleep, and failure to ask for help.