Triggers & Cravings
What is a trigger?
Any person, place, thing, or emotion that creates the urge to use substances. A trigger usually leads to a craving.
What is a coping skill?
A tool or strategy used to handle stress, emotions, or difficult situations in a healthy way.
What is Step 1 of the 12 Steps?
"We admitted we were powerless over our addiction- that our lives had become unmanageable"
What does it mean to "check in with yourself"?
It means taking a moment to notice how you're feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Name the actor who starred in Iron Man and is open about his recovery.
Robert Downey Jr.
Name 1 internal trigger and 1 external trigger.
External: being around people who use, Internal: feeling anxious or depressed
What is the difference between a healthy and unhealthy coping skill?
Healthy coping skills reduce stress and support growth, while unhealthy ones may provide temporary relief but cause long-term harm (e.g., substance use, avoidance, behavioral issues)
What does it mean to "turn your will over to a Higher Power"?
It means trusting something greater than yourself (God, the Universe, the group) to guide your recovery.
What does it mean to "set a boundary" in relationships?
It means telling others what is okay or not okay with you so you an protect your mental and emotional well-being.
This country singer wrote "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and has been sober for years.
Alan Jackson (or Kenny Chesney)
What is a common physical symptom of a craving?
Sweating, restlessness, heart racing, stomach discomfort, etc
What is the role of mindfulness in coping? Also give an example.
Mindfulness builds awareness and emotional control. Example- body scanning, engaging 5 senses, meditation, breathing, counting, among many others.
In which step do you make amends?
Step 9- "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible..."
What is anxiety, and how does it feel?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear. It can feel like a fast heartbeat, sweaty palms, breathlessness, tight chest, restlessness, etc.
This talk show host and comedian has been sober since the early 90s (hint: voice of Dory)
Ellen DeGeneres
True or False: Avoiding all triggers is always realistic.
While avoiding triggers is helpful, learning to manage and cope with unavoidable ones is part of recovery.
True or False: Watching TV all day is always a healthy coping skill.
False. It might help reframe your thoughts temporarily, but overuse can lead to avoidance or isolation.
Why is honesty considered a key principle in working the 12 Steps?
Because recovery requires truthfulness with oneself and others; honesty helps break denial, build trust, and promote personal growth to become our most authentic selves.
What's the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Mental health is how we think, feel, and cope everyday. Mental illness is when those ares are affected in a way that makes life harder to manage; a diagnosis (e.g., depression, bipolar, ptsd)
Name a professional athlete who is in recovery.
Christ Herren (NBA), Daryl Strawberry (MLB), Lawrence Taylor (NFL), among many others
Name 3 healthy strategies for managing cravings.
Taking a walk, deep breathing, journaling, calling a sponsor, mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby
Why is it important to have more than one coping skill?
Because different situations need different tools, and if one doesnt work, you have other options to stay healthy and safe.
How do Steps 4 & 5 help reduce shame and guilt in recovery?
By allowing individuals to take a moral inventory (step 4) and share it with another person and a Higher Power (Step 5), releasing hidden burdens and beginning emotional healing.
Why is talking about your feelings important for mental health?
It helps release stress, gain support, understand yourself better, and prevent unhealthy behaviors.
Name a celebrity who has started a foundation or spoken out publicly to reduce stigma around addiction.
Demi Lovato, Russell Brand, or Macklemore.