Social skills
Question: What are social skills?
Answer: These are the abilities that help people communicate, interact, and build positive relationships to aid in recovery
What are non-verbal cues and why do they matter?
Facial expressions (smiling, frowning)
Eye contact
Posture (open vs. closed)
Gestures
Tone of voice
Personal space
Fidgeting or stillness
What is giving an alternative in relation to refusing something?
Answer: This refusal strategy involves offering a different activity or plan.
What can we do if an argument is out of control?
State I need some time to calm down and think for this to be a productive conversation
Respects your boundaries
Communicates honestly
Supports your goals and recovery
Takes responsibility for their actions
Makes you feel safe and comfortable
Listens without judgment
Shows consistency in words and actions
How does open/closed posture affect communication?
Open-more approachable, engaged, shows active listening and interest
Why are “I” statements important in recovery? Give an example
This kind of statement expresses your feelings and needs respectfully. Sets boundaries.
What do we do if refusal skills don't work?
Remove self from situation
Why can emotional regulation help in an argument?
Helps us stay calm and not escalate
What are red flags?
Disrespects your boundaries
Blames you for their actions
Lies or hides things
Gets angry when you say no
Tries to control your choices
Puts you down or criticizes often
Creates drama or constant conflict
Doesn’t take responsibility
Makes you feel unsafe or anxious
Only shows up when they want something
Question: What are natural supports and how do they aid in recovery?
Answer: type of support network helps people feel less alone in recovery.
What is assertive communication?
Answer: This communication style is neither passive nor aggressive.
What are triggering or high‑risk situations?
Events where substances are present.
Unsafe environments
places where previously used
To each their own
Question: What is compromise?
Answer: This solution‑finding skill means both people give a little to reach agreement.
Is apologizing but not changing action green or red flag?
Red
Face the speaker: open vs. Closed posture
Maintain eye contact
Nod or give brief verbal cues:
Summarize what you heard: repeat it back
Give an example of when assertiveness is helpful
Setting boundaries. When asked for money or offered substances
What is the first step in refusing an offer you don’t want?
Saying no
How can improving conflict resolution skills aid in recovery?
Improve relationships to build natural supports
what signs/feelings show a relationship is good for your well‑being and recovery. (coming from self)
feeling supported/safe, improved confidence/trust
How does confidence help in social situations?
reduce anxiety in social situations and help us manage our emotions and better advocate for our needs
3 steps of assertive communication?
Use “I” statements, maintain calm tone, respect others.
Why do refusal skills matter in recovery?
Protect long term goals and help prevent relapse. Build confidence
What are the steps to conflict resolution?
Identify problem, listen, compromise, stay calm.
Steps of building healthy relationships?
Identify red flags, set boundaries, seek reciprocity.