Triggers & Cravings
Name one external trigger.
Seeing someone use, certain music, payday, social events, etc.
What is a "coping skill"?
A healthy way to manage stress, emotions, or urges.
What does “relapse prevention” mean?
Learning strategies to avoid returning to substance use and to manage triggers effectively.
What does “setting a boundary” mean?
Communicating your limits to protect your emotional and physical well-being.
What's a personal strength that has helped you stay sober?
Answers vary: honesty, openness, willingness, courage, persistence, etc.
Name one internal trigger.
Thoughts or Emotions (Stress, shame, boredom, anger, loneliness, anxiety, etc.)
Name one healthy coping skill you can use when stressed.
Deep breathing, exercise, temperature change, journaling, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, etc.
What are the 3 stages of Relapse?
Emotional, Mental, Physical.
What’s one quality of a healthy relationship?
Respect, honesty, trust, communication, boundaries, or support.
What does it mean to “take responsibility” for your life?
Owning your actions, choices, and growth instead of blaming others or circumstances.
How can mindfulness help manage cravings?
It allows you to notice urges without reacting, giving space to choose a healthy response.
Why is self-awareness important for coping effectively?
You have to recognize what you’re feeling before you can choose how to respond.
Name one skill or strategy that helps prevent relapse.
Urge surfing, deep breathing, calling a sponsor, attending meetings, grounding, journaling, distraction, etc.
What’s one way to rebuild trust with loved ones after addiction?
Consistency, honesty, follow-through, patience, and accountability.
What’s one fear that has held you back in the past?
Answers vary: Fear of failure, rejection, change, being seen, etc.
What's the difference between an urge and a craving?
Urge= a passing thought or desire.
Craving= intense, sustained desire to use.
What’s one difference between reacting and responding to emotions?
Reacting is impulsive and emotion-driven (wounded self); responding is thoughtful and intentional (authentic self)
What’s one early warning sign that you might be headed toward relapse, even if you haven’t used?
Answers vary: isolating, romanticizing past use, neglecting self-care, lying, skipping meetings, etc.
Why is communication important in relationships?
It prevents misunderstandings, builds trust, and fosters emotional safety.
Answers vary: not good enough, undeserving, failure, etc.
What happens in your brain when a craving hits?
The reward system lights up, releasing dopamine and creating desire for relief or pleasure.
What’s one example of cognitive reframing?
Answers vary.
What are “replacement behaviors,” and why are they important?
Healthy alternatives that meet the same need substance use once met.
What’s one pattern from your family relationships that affects your current ones?
Answers vary — e.g., avoiding conflict, people-pleasing, shutting down.
How can gratitude support your personal growth?
It shifts focus from what’s lacking to what’s meaningful and builds resilience