Coping Skills
Describe three positive coping skills.
Exercise, Reading, Yoga, Deep Breathing, calling a support, engaging in a positive activity.
Identify and describe three triggers.
Seeing people using, Being in places you used or picked up, Objects that helped with use such as spoons or needles, Hanging out with using friends, Media, etc.
What is the definition of a relapse justification?
Relapse justification is a process that happens in people’s minds. A person may have decided to stop using, but the person’s brain is still healing and still feels the need for the substances. The addicted brain invents excuses that allow the person in recovery to edge close enough to relapse situations that accidents can happen.
People you can call for support when you are struggling?
Your treatment team, a Mile High Peer, supportive friend or family member, A sponsor, etc....
True or False. “Instant Fixes” for stress exist?
False
What does H.A.L.T. stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
What is a Prolapse
A prolapse is where someone learns what lead to their relapse and resumes sobriety.
Give an example of a relapse justification that puts blame on another person.
It was offered to me. What could I do?; An old friend called, and we decided to get together.; I was cleaning my house and found some drugs that I had forgotten about.; I had friends come for dinner and they brought wine.; I was in a bar and someone offered me a beer.; Etc.
Name three recovery support groups.
AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Rogers Aftercare group, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Celebrate Recovery
True or False. Taking time for yourself each day is essential to recovery?
True
What is the biggest trigger for relapse?
Stress
What are the signs of an emotional relapse?
Describe three catastrophic events that could lead to relapse justifications.
End of a relationship, Injury, Illness, Loss of a job, Death, Anniversary, Divorce, negative emotional experiences, etc..
What are the three reasons people use substances?
Reward-Relax-Escape
List three people you can talk to when you are struggling.
Family members, Sober Friends, A Sponsor, A Therapist, A Doctor, AA/NA Members, etc.
What are the three stages of the cycle of relapse.
Trigger-Craving-Use
What is the difference between a Lapse and a Relapse.
A Lapse is a one-time occurrence. A relapse is the result of multiple lapses.
Describe an example of high risk thinking or a high risk behavior.
Testing Oneself, Telling yourself you can have just one, Using other substances because they are not your substance of choice, Going to a party, etc.
How long does it take for a brain to heal from substance misuse?
Approximately 18 months.
What are the benefits of having good coping skills? List three benefits.
Ability to decrease symptoms of mental health, Ability to manage cravings, Better management of emotions, Improvement in mood, Higher Self-Esteem, Etc.
You are at an event and get triggered. What are three things you should do after you recognize a trigger?
Call a friend/sponsor, leave the event, go to a meeting, have a safe ride, use coping skills, verbalize the trigger, etc.
Describe three things you can do to avoid a relapse.
Practice self-care, Wait 15-30 minutes, Do your recovery one day at a time, Tell someone that you're having urges to use, Distract yourself, Use coping skills, Make relaxation part of your recovery, Play the tape through, etc.
Can testing personal control lead to relapse?
Yes
Identify a skill that can be used when experiencing a craving.
Detach from the craving, Urge surfing, Samurai warrior, Postponement,etc...