Basics
Early trauma can affect how we handle this in adulthood.
What is stress or emotions?
Instead of making excuses, a person who takes responsibility is likely to do this after making a mistake.
What is apologize or make amends?
A “do” in recovery is consistently doing this with people who support your sobriety.
What is attending support groups or connecting with sober peers?
When someone is upset, the first step in de-escalation is usually to do this with your voice and tone.
What is remain calm?
Regularly can reduce this common mental health symptom.
What is anxiety or stress?
Using substances or isolating yourself are examples of this type of coping.
What is unhealthy or maladaptive coping?
A key step in taking responsibility is reflecting on this to understand why you acted a certain way
What is self-awareness?
A “don’t” is placing yourself in this type of situation that increases the risk of relapse.
What is a high-risk or triggering environment?
This is a non-verbal strategy in de-escalation, involving body language that is open and non-threatening.
What is using relaxed posture or open gestures?
Focusing on your breath, senses, or surroundings are examples of this mindfulness skill
What is grounding?
This practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
What is mindfulness?
This term describes acknowledging the impact of your actions on others, which is essential for personal growth.
What is accountability?
“don’t” in recovery is failing to address underlying issues that contribute to substance use, such as unresolved trauma, mental health struggles, or unhealthy thought patterns—this concept is essential for long-term sobriety
What is neglecting root causes or emotional health?
This means fully concentrating on what someone is saying rather than just hearing the words.
What is active listening?
The body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response is controlled by this part of the brain.
What is the amygdala?
Identifying and reducing stressors in your environment is called this.
What is stress management?
This concept involves recognizing patterns in your own behavior and understanding how your choices contribute to recurring problems.
What is personal accountability?
A “do” in recovery involves creating a structured routine that balances responsibilities, self-care, and social support; neglecting this can increase stress and relapse risk.
what is maintaining a daily recovery plan or structured lifestyle?
Asking these kinds of questions can help someone feel heard and understood, preventing escalation.
What are open-ended questions?
These two main categories of coping skills describe how we deal with stress — one focuses on solving the problem, while the other focuses on managing emotions.
What are problem-focused and emotion-focused coping skills?
The belief that you are worthy of love and respect is called this.
What is self-worth?
Beyond admitting mistakes, this action demonstrates true responsibility by repairing harm done and preventing future issues.
What is making amends or corrective action?
In recovery, this “do” involves critically evaluating your social, emotional, and environmental patterns to proactively prevent relapse, rather than reacting only after a setback occurs.
What is practicing ongoing self-assessment and proactive relapse prevention?
In a high-stress situation, stepping back and giving the person space while remaining present is this key de-escalation technique.
What is maintaining physical and emotional distance?
Traumatic memories can sometimes appear in this form, like flashbacks or body sensations.
What are somatic memories or trauma responses?