Recovery Basics
What is addiction in simple words?
Addiction is when a person has difficulty stopping or controlling substance use, even when it is causing problems in their life.
Give one example of a trigger.
stress, boredom, loneliness, having extra money, seeing old drinking friends, or visiting places associated with substance use.
What does it mean to be sober?
Not using alcohol or other substances covered by one's recovery goal.
What is one healthy way to manage stress?
Exercise, prayer, deep breathing, or talking to someone supportive.
This is your responsibility. No one else is going to do it for you.
What is my own recovery?
A return to substance use or addictive behaviors after a period of abstinence.
What is a Relapse?
Why do we have group norms?
To create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
Name one reason people choose recovery.
To improve their health, rebuild relationships, protect their family, find stability, avoid legal problems, or improve their future.
What are two things you can do when you have a craving?
Talk to someone supportive, go for a walk, pray, exercise, distract yourself with a healthy activity, or use breathing techniques.
A____ is always necessary for an individual to take control of their future sobriety and avoid future relapse.
What is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
Feelings of extreme sadness, shame, guilt and/or dispair...
What is Depression?
Feelings of worry, uneasiness, or dread...
What is Anxiety?
What are the stages of relapse?
emotional, mental, and physical
What is the group norm that reminds us to consider our words before saying something that might hurt or offend another member?
Think Before You Speak.
A strong urge or desire to use alcohol or drugs. Having a craving does not mean a person has to act on it.
What is a craving
What does PTSD stand for?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What is the difference between recovery and sobriety?
Sobriety is where you remove the substance but your not willing to work on yourself.
Recovery is a complete lifestyle change where you remove the substance and you coastally work on yourself to create a life that is meaningful through personal reflection and accountability.
What is the third stage in the Stages of Change model?
Preparation.
According to the stages of change model, what is the 5th?
Maintenance (continued change by new behaviors replacing the old ones)
What is one healthy alternative to substance use when you're stressed?
Exercise, prayer, calling someone, walking, or practicing relaxation.
What is the group norm that reminds us to listen carefully, stay focused, and pay attention to what is happening in group?
Be Mindful.
What is one benefit of staying in treatment?
Treatment can help a person learn coping skills, understand triggers, receive support, and develop a plan for maintaining recovery.
What is the difference between an internal and an external trigger?
Internal triggers are thoughts or feelings. External triggers are people, places, or situations.
Name one early warning sign that someone's recovery may be at risk.
Isolation, increased cravings, skipping treatment, or thinking about using.
What type of triggers are activated by what you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel?
Sensory Triggers
What does it mean to be in the Preparation Stage?
Making plans and taking small steps toward change.
Name an example of an external relapse trigger.
What is People, places, and things?
What is the group norm that reminds us to treat others kindly, even when we disagree with their opinions?
Be Respectful.
What is one way substance use affects the brain?
It can change how the brain experiences pleasure, motivation, and decision-making.
Name two things that can make cravings stronger.
Stress, boredom, loneliness, or being around substance use.
Why is boredom sometimes a trigger for substance use?
A person may return to old habits when they have too much unstructured time.
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Emotional or physical limits that people set to create a healthy sense of personal space.
What is boundaries
According to stages of change model, which one represents that and individual doesnt believe they have a problem?
What is precontemplation.
What is the group norm that means keeping other members' personal stories and information private?
What Happens in Group STAYS in Group.
What is one way addiction can affect your relationships?
It can lead to broken trust, arguments, or difficulty communicating.
True or False: A craving means you have to use.
False. A craving is a feeling or urge. It can become less intense over time, and a person can learn to manage it without using substances.
What is the best way to benefit from the group?
What is actively participate in group activities and discussions.
What is one thing you can do when you feel overwhelmed?
Take a break, breathe slowly, ask for support, or use a grounding technique.
When a slip occurs or you are struggling with continued use, you can reach out to
Who is your sponsor or clinician?
Why is it important to have a support system in recovery?
Supportive people can offer encouragement, accountability, and help during difficult times.
What is the group norm that reminds us not to bring up someone's personal struggles or disclosures later to embarrass, criticize, or hurt them?
Don't Use What Is Shared in Group Against Others.
Name one goal you can work on in your recovery.
Staying sober, improving mental health, rebuilding family relationships, finding employment, managing anger, or developing healthy routines.
Why can mixing alcohol with other drugs be dangerous?
It can increase impairment, overdose risk, and other serious health consequences.
Name one recovery support option besides AA or NA.
SMART Recovery, individual counseling, group therapy, or another recovery support program.
What year was Alliance Wellness Center established?
2014.
Someone says, "I know drinking is causing problems, but I'm not sure I want to stop." What stage of change might they be in?
What is contemplation
a person starts using alcohol or drugs again after a period of not using. It is the third stage of relapse, following emotional and mental relapse.
physical relapse
What is the group norm that means not deliberately provoking, upsetting, or encouraging conflict with other members?
Don't Instigate Others.