Recovery Basics
What does “sobriety” mean?
Living free from alcohol and/or drug use.
What is a healthy coping skill you can use when feeling stressed?
Deep breathing, going for a walk, calling a friend, meditating, etc.
True or False: It’s important to set boundaries with people from your using past.
True.
What’s one benefit of attending recovery meetings regularly?
Builds community, accountability, support, and consistency.
What does “one day at a time” mean in recovery?
Focus on staying sober just for today instead of worrying about the future.
What is the first step in a 12-step program?
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”
What does “HALT” stand for and why is it important?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These states increase vulnerability to relapse.
What is one example of an unhealthy relationship pattern in active addiction?
Codependency, manipulation, enabling, abusive dynamics, etc.
What is a sponsor and what do they do?
A person in recovery who guides someone through the steps and offers support and accountability.
What does “emotional sobriety” mean?
The ability to feel, understand, and manage emotions without using substances.
What is a “trigger” in recovery?
A person, place, thing, or emotion that creates the urge to use substances.
Name a grounding technique you can use during anxiety or cravings.
5-4-3-2-1 sensory technique, holding an object, cold water on face, body scan.
Why is trust something that takes time to rebuild in recovery?
Because past behavior may have hurt others and trust is earned through consistency and honesty over time.
Why is having a routine important in recovery?
Provides structure, reduces boredom, and helps manage time and stress.
What is a relapse prevention plan and why is it useful?
A written strategy for avoiding and coping with triggers; it helps prepare for high-risk situations.
Name two common relapse prevention strategies.
Calling a sponsor, using coping skills, going to a meeting, journaling, deep breathing, etc.
Describe how journaling can support recovery.
Helps process emotions, track progress, identify triggers, and release stress.
What’s the difference between enabling and supporting someone in recovery?
Enabling shields someone from consequences; support encourages responsibility and growth.
Name 3 things you might include in a self-care plan.
Sleep schedule, exercise, nutrition, meetings, therapy, creative activities.
How can shame and guilt be triggers for relapse?
They lower self-worth and can make someone feel hopeless, leading to using as a way to numb pain.
Explain the difference between being “dry” and being in active recovery.
“Dry” means abstaining from substances but not working on emotional or behavioral changes; recovery includes personal growth and lifestyle change.
How can mindfulness help with emotional regulation in early recovery?
Increases awareness of thoughts and feelings, reduces impulsivity, and helps manage cravings.
How can codependency affect recovery, and what’s one way to work on it?
It can lead to self-neglect or relapse; solution includes setting boundaries, therapy, or attending groups like CoDA.
How can service work (like helping others) support your own recovery?
Builds purpose, self-esteem, and connection; reinforces recovery values.
What is PAWS and when does it show up?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome — emotional/mental symptoms that occur after the physical withdrawal ends.