Relapse Prevention & Early Recovery
What is the most important step in recovery?
The first step *Share your experience with your first step*
When was Hope House founded?
In 1956, by the late Jack Donahue. It is the oldest residential treatment center in MA.
What is addiction?
A disease of the brain that alters brain structure and chemistry in lasting ways.
A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
Mindfulness
The 3 top healthy things to maintain after graduating from Hope House
People, places, things!
This state of mind can be fatal for recovery! It's characterized by being too comfortable or not feeling motivated to continue doing the work
Complacency
What are the expectations of phase 2?
8am detail, explore employment, vocational, or new skills training, and attend designated B group.
What does MAT target?
The brain reward system, which normalizes brain chemistry, reduces cravings, and blocks the euphoric effect of opioids and alcohol.
Doing or thinking about something different when you feel yourself being triggered to use substances
Changing the Channel *What are things you do to Change the Channel?
Places to connect and build a sense of community
Support meetings (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, etc.)
Refusing to admit the truth about addiction and its consequences to ourselves.
Denial
Who is the resource for questions about housing?
Housing and Care Coordinators James T. or James S.
This therapy approach helps people identify and challenge their negative thoughts.
CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The practice of taking an active role in regularly doing things that improve your well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress
Self-Care *Share one thing you do for self-care
The process of adhering to sobriety
Maintaining/Maintenance.
Identifying and writing down triggers, coping skills, people, and activities that can help prevent a relapse
Relapse Prevention Plan *Raise your hand if you have a relapse prevention plan
What are the med pass times
Morning - 5a-845p
Afternoon - 11:30a-1:30p
Evening - 4p-6:45p
Late evening - 8p-10:45p
Which neurotransmitter is the main one directly linked to the brain's reward pathway in addiction?
Dopamine! "feel good chemical"
Getting support from a neutral person who can help with mental health and addiction concerns
Therapy
What is an aftercare plan?
Activities, interventions, and resources to help those in recovery cope with triggers, stress, and cravings after completing treatment.
Using another activity in order to replace or substitute the feelings/results you used to get from using substances
Cross Addiction
Most important time to check in
Between 4-6:45pm
What are the 3 parts of the cycle of addiction?
Binge/Intoxication.
Withdrawal.
Preoccupation/Anticipation.
A state of mind where you are thankful and taking notice of the good things in your life, rather than focusing on the bad
Gratitude *What is one thing you are grateful for today?
How does sponsorship help in recovery programs?
A sponsor provides guidance, support, and accountability *Do you have a sponsor? How have they helped you in your recovery?*