Social Skills
What is one reason why social skills are important for recovery?
They help build healthy relationships and reduce isolation, which supports long-term recovery.
What does it mean to “assert yourself”?
To express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully without being aggressive.
What is empathy?
Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.
What is peer pressure?
The influence others have on you to act a certain way, often to fit in.
What is one positive activity you can do when feeling stressed?
Go for a walk, journal, listen to music, call a supportive friend, or exercise.
Name one way to start a conversation with someone new.
Say something friendly like “Hi, how’s your day going?”
What is one way to say “no” without being rude?
“No, thank you,” or “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll pass.”
How can you tell if someone is upset during a conversation?
Body language (crossed arms, frowning), tone of voice, or short responses.
True or False: Saying “no” to a friend always means they’ll stop being your friend.
False. Real friends respect your choices, even if they disagree.
Why is it important to celebrate small wins in recovery?
It boosts confidence, builds motivation, and reminds you how far you’ve come.
What is one thing you can do to show respect during a conversation?
Make eye contact, listen without interrupting, or nod to show you’re listening.
Use this sentence to express a need: “I feel ___ when ___ because ___. What I need is ___.”
Examples: “I feel hurt when I’m interrupted because I want to be heard. What I need is space to finish my thoughts.”
Why is listening as important as speaking in a conversation?
It shows respect, helps you understand the other person, and builds connection.
What are two things you can say if someone pressures you to use substances?
“I’m not into that anymore,” or “I’ve got different goals now.”
Name two people or places you can go for support.
A sponsor, therapist, sober friend, support group, or a trusted family member.
What’s one challenge someone in recovery might face when making new friends?
Fear of judgment, past trust issues, or not knowing where to meet sober people.
A friend keeps asking you to hang out late. How do you set a boundary kindly but firmly?
“I care about our friendship, but I need to prioritize my rest and routine. Let’s hang out earlier next time.”
How might someone feel if their ideas are ignored in a group? What can you do?
They might feel invisible or unimportant. You can include them by asking for their opinion or validating their input.
Someone offers you something you’re trying to avoid. How do you respond with confidence?
Make eye contact and say, “No thanks, I’m focusing on staying clean,” and change the subject or walk away.
What’s a healthy way to respond to criticism?
Take a deep breath, listen calmly, and ask if there’s something you can improve.
Give an example of a time when using social skills helped you avoid a risky situation.
Open-ended: Examples may include walking away from conflict, saying “no,” or asking for support.
What are three ways to communicate your needs when feeling overwhelmed?
1. Use “I” statements, 2. Ask for a break or help, 3. Write your thoughts down before speaking
Share a time when you misunderstood someone’s feelings. What did you learn?
Open-ended: Group members might share learning about assumptions, the value of listening, or clarifying before reacting.
What are three signs someone doesn’t respect your boundaries? How can you respond?
Signs: Repeatedly pressuring you, mocking your choices, or ignoring your “no.” Response: Be firm, limit contact, or seek support.
Plan a celebration: What’s one goal you’ve reached, and how would you celebrate?
Open-ended: Answers may include treating themselves to a meal, telling a friend, journaling about the achievement, or doing a fun activity.