Coping Skills
: Name one grounding technique you can use when feeling anxious.
5-4-3-2-1 senses exercise, holding an ice cube, focusing on breath, naming objects in the room.
What does the term “trigger” mean in recovery?
A person, place, thing, or feeling that creates cravings or urges to use.
What is one healthy way to express anger?
Talking it out calmly, exercising, journaling, deep breathing.
Which brain chemical is most associated with pleasure and reward?
Dopamine.
What snack food is often called “the cheesiest”?
Cheetos.
What is the purpose of deep breathing as a coping skill?
: To calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and bring focus back to the present.
Name one internal and one external relapse trigger.
Internal: stress, anger, boredom. External: being around people who use, certain neighborhoods, parties.
Why is it important to identify emotions in early recovery?
Because avoiding or ignoring emotions can lead to relapse; awareness helps with healthier responses.
Addiction is often called a ______ disease because it affects the brain’s structure and function.
Brain disease.
Name the cartoon character who lives in a pineapple under the sea.
SpongeBob SquarePants.
Give an example of a healthy distraction you could use to avoid cravings
Exercise, journaling, calling a friend, listening to music, or going for a walk.
What is a “relapse prevention plan,” and why is it important?
A written or practiced strategy with tools and supports to avoid relapse; it helps manage high-risk situations and maintain sobriety.
How can journaling help regulate emotions?
It provides a safe outlet, increases self-awareness, and helps track patterns over time.
Which part of the brain controls decision-making and impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex.
What’s the capital of Italy?
Rome.
What are two differences between healthy coping skills and unhealthy coping skills?
Healthy skills reduce stress without harm and support long-term recovery; unhealthy skills provide short-term relief but cause long-term harm (like using substances, isolation, or aggression).
Describe the three stages of relapse (emotional, mental, physical).
Emotional: poor self-care, stress buildup. Mental: cravings, bargaining, thinking about using. Physical: actually picking up and using.
What is the difference between reacting and responding to an emotion?
Reacting is automatic and impulsive; responding is thoughtful and intentional.
How does repeated substance use “hijack” the brain’s reward system?
Drugs overstimulate dopamine pathways, making the brain crave substances over natural rewards.
Which animal is known as the “king of the jungle”?
Lion.
Explain how practicing coping skills daily builds resilience in recovery.
It strengthens healthy habits, rewires the brain’s responses, and makes it easier to handle stress without turning to substances.
Share one personal strategy you use (or could use) to prevent relapse when under stress.
(Varies—examples: calling a sponsor, going to a meeting, practicing mindfulness, using coping skills).
Explain how unprocessed emotions can increase the risk of relapse.
Bottled-up feelings can build pressure and lead to unhealthy coping, like turning back to substances.
Explain why addiction is considered a chronic, relapsing brain disease rather than just a “choice.”
Because it changes brain circuits, impacts judgment and impulse control, and creates compulsive use despite negative consequences.
In Queen’s famous song Bohemian Rhapsody, what comes after the lyric “Is this the real life?”
“Is this just fantasy?”