Recovery Riddles
I’m not a time machine, but I help you move forward without guilt. What am I?
What is: Forgiveness
A common phrase for a return to substance use after a period of sobriety.
What is: A Relapse
The DBT skill used when distracting yourself with positive activities or sensations.
What is: ACCEPTS
True or False: Triggers are always external.
What is: FALSE
What’s a simple physical technique to reduce anxiety or cravings in the moment?
What is: Deep Breathing
You carry me everywhere — heavy when unspoken, lighter when shared. What am I?
What is: My Story
Short phrase used in 12-step programs that encourages staying present and not future-tripping.
What is: "One Day At A Time"
This skill helps you find the middle ground between emotional and rational mind.
What is: Wise Mind
What type of trigger comes from thoughts or feelings inside you, rather than something you see or hear outside?
What is: Internal trigger
When faced with stress, this two-part approach suggests you either shift your actions or reframe your thinking to regain control.
What is: Make a move, change a thought!
I can be broken, but I'm not a bone. I’m often rebuilt in recovery. What am I?
What is: Trust
This acronym reminds you to check in with your physical and emotional needs before acting impulsively.
What is: HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
You use this skill when you self-soothe with your 5 senses.
What is: Self soothing
What do we call positive cues or reminders that help someone in recovery feel hopeful, safe, or motivated — basically the opposite of triggers?
What is: A Glimmer
What is one way to adjust your surroundings to better manage urges?
What is: Remove triggers from your space (e.g., throw out paraphernalia, avoid certain places)
I’m invisible, but I can make or break your day. I get stronger when you name me. What am I?
What is: Emotion
Someone who supports your recovery journey, often through mentorship and accountability.
What is: A Sponsor
You're trying to assert your needs calmly. What DBT skill set do you use?
What is: DEAR MAN
What’s a common thinking trap that might follow a trigger?
What is: All-or-nothing thinking
Which DBT skill teaches you to accept your feelings without judgment instead of trying to push them away?
What is: Radical Acceptance
I’m the loudest when ignored, the quietest when accepted. What am I?
What is: A Craving
The term for the overly optimistic and euphoric stage that can occur in early recovery.
What is: Pink Cloud
You’re stuck in a thought spiral, overwhelmed, and ready to act on impulse. You stop, take a step back, observe what’s happening, and proceed mindfully.
Which DBT skill are you using, and what do the letters stand for?
What is: STOP skill — Stop, Take a step back, Observe, Proceed mindfully
What is the main difference between being triggered and being vulnerable in recovery?
A) Being triggered means an external or internal cue causes intense craving, while being vulnerable means a general state of increased risk due to stress or fatigue.
B) Being vulnerable only happens after relapse, triggered can happen anytime.
C) Being triggered is physical, vulnerability is emotional.
D) There is no difference; they mean the same thing.
A) Being triggered means an external or internal cue causes intense craving, while being vulnerable means a general state of increased risk due to stress or fatigue.
Which of these is an evidence-based coping strategy shown to reduce relapse risk by helping regulate emotions?
A) Avoiding all social contact
B) Practicing mindfulness meditation daily
C) Bottling up feelings
D) Ignoring cravings until they go away
B) Practicing mindfulness meditation daily