Coping Skills
Name one healthy GROUNDING skill you can use when you're feeling anxious
Sensory grounding (5 senses, touching something soft), Box Breathing, Prog. Muscle Relaxation, Tapping, Scent anchoring, Orientation (Object Labeling)
What is the truth about willpower and addiction?
Addiction is not about weak willpower; it affects brain chemistry and behavior.
Name two primary emotions often hidden underneath anger.
Fear, Pain, Hurt, Sadness, Grief, Shame, Embarrassment, Overwhelm, Helplessness,
What is a trigger?
Something that causes a craving or emotional reaction linked to past use.
What is self-care?
Taking actions to improve your physical, emotional, or mental health.
What does the acronym HALT stand for, and how does it help in recovery?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – signs you're vulnerable to relapse.
Myth or Fact: You can spot an addict just by how they look.
Myth
Why is it important to feel and express emotions in recovery?
Bottling them up can lead to relapse or emotional distress.
Name a common external trigger (Specific to you).
People, places, objects, music, etc.
Why is self-care essential in recovery?
It builds resilience, prevents relapse, and improves mood/stability.
Which coping skill involves focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts without judgment?
Mindfulness
What is one reason why the idea "once an addict, always an addict" can be harmful?
It discourages hope and recovery; reinforces stigma.
What’s one healthy way to express sadness?
Talking, crying, journaling, art, etc.
Name a common internal trigger (Specific to you).
Boredom, stress, anxiety, shame, etc.
Name two examples of self-care you can do entirely on your own.
Journaling, letting yourself cry without fixing it, stretching or gentle movement, taking a shower/bath, listening to music, resting, eating something nourishing, writing a to-do list, limiting time on social media, positive self-talk, drawing/coloring
Name two reasons why movement and exercise help improve mood.
Stress regulation; Increases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins; Builds self-esteem and self-efficacy; Sense of mastery; Helps focus on present moment rather than rumination; Nervous system regulation; Reduce emotional reactivity
What is the myth behind “You have to hit rock bottom to recover”?
Recovery can start at any point – not just the lowest.
What is emotional regulation?
The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in healthy ways.
What should you do if you're triggered and feel an urge to use?
Use coping skills, call someone, leave the situation, etc.
Name two examples of what self-care is not.
Not avoidance; Not numbing; Not perfection; Not always "relaxing"
Explain the difference between an avoidant coping strategy and an active coping strategy.
Avoidant = ignoring the problem (e.g., using, isolating); Active = facing the problem (e.g., asking for help, planning).
True or False: Addiction is a choice.
False
What’s one emotion you tend to avoid, and why might it be important to face it in recovery?
Client-specific answer
Describe a time when you were triggered and handled it in a healthy way.
(Client-specific sharing or reflective answer.)
When should you engage in self-care?
Preventively (before you're dysregulated); At the first signs of distress; During distress; After distress (repair & recovery); Earlier than you think; Daily