Coping Skills
When should you use coping skills?
True or False: Hanging with a pet can be a good distraction
True! Animals are often good distractions and we can play with them, pet them, take them on walks, etc.
What is harm reduction?
Tips and tricks, strategies, and tools to help reduce mental and physical harm. Broad set of tools you choose and implement in your life.
You haven't seen a friend in a while and have been excited to hang out since starting your recovery. You and your friend has been texting and you feel they are supportive of this new chapter in your life. When you get to your friends house they are smoking weed and asking you to partake. What can you in this situation to prioritize your recovery?
Ask them to not smoke while you are hanging out, communicate your boundaries and comfort level of being near weed, leave, etc.
This party game involves "stealing" presents each other have already opened
What is white elephant, or yankee swap, or dirty santa (whatever you call it)
List 3 NEGATIVE coping skills (things that are not healthy or productive)
Physical violence, substance use, isolation, verbal attacking someone, blaming others, running away, etc
List three activities that can be used as a distraction during the holiday season?
What is a relapse prevention plan? What does it do?
Personalized tool for recovery that helps the person monitor their stressors, triggers, support system, and how to overcome potential return to use/relapse, or feelings of cravings
You are planning to see a possible partner and are not sure where the night is gonna go... What are 3 harm reduction things you can do before you see this person?
Know your boundaries and how you are going to set them, get tested for STI's, have or pick up condoms/dams
How many candles are on a Hanukkah Menorah?
9 candles are lit on a Menorah
What makes a coping skill unhealthy?
When it is unhelpful, unsafe, or causes harm to you or others
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method primarily used to reduce stress and anxiety?
5 things you can See
4 things you can Touch
3 things you can Hear
2 things you can Smell
1 thing you can Taste
What is a SMART Goal? (What does SMART stand for)
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Timely
You're having one of those days: everything is making you angry, you don't want to be at group, recovery seems impossible, and nothing you do feels good enough. In group you feel people are being extra cautious around you and looking at you weird so you leave at break. What unhealthy coping skill is this and what would have been a better way to handle this situation?
Projection because you are assuming people are treating you different based on your mood, without confirmation. You could talk to the group leader at break or let them know before you are having a hard time. You can use distraction skills like journaling, coloring, using fidget toys.
How many reindeer does Santa use to pull his sleigh?
9!
What is opposite action coping and provide an example
Opposite action is doing something the opposite of your impulse that has a positive association. Ex: if you are sad watching something funny that makes you laugh. Feeling like you want to isolate, call a friend.
What is the difference between distraction and avoidance?
Avoidant: when the primary coping skill becomes distraction to escape difficult emptions or situations
According to science, how long does a typical substance use craving last?
10-15 minutes
Wearing seatbelts, not texting and driving, being sober, making sure children are buckled in properly, following speed limits, stopping at stop signs and red lights
What are the three most common classifications of Christmas trees?
Firs, Spruces, and Pine trees
What is self positive reinforcement and how can it be a coping skill?
Acknowledging and rewarding yourself on progress and victories. This can boost our self-esteem and give us more confidence to take steps to promote our recovery.
Cleaning, organizing, or rearranging a room can serve as this type of distraction that gives a sense of accomplishment?
Productive distraction
Treating yourself with kindness and understanding, and giving yourself patience and empathy during setbacks is called what?
Self-compassion
What Canadian holiday is on December 26th?
Boxing Day