Early Recovery Challenges
What is emotional instability?
This pattern assumes the worst-case scenario will happen.
What is catastrophizing?
In this stage, a person is not yet considering change.
What is precontemplation?
This type of relationship supports recovery and growth.
What is a healthy relationship?
You feel stressed out after work and you want to use. A healthy response is this.
What is utilizing a coping skill? This could be things like calling someone(sponsor) or exercising.
This happens when someone replaces one addiction for another.
What is cross-addiction?
This is making excuses to justify unhealthy behavior.
What is rationalization?
This stage includes actively working on recovery behaviors.
What is action?
This means putting your recovery before people-pleasing.
What are boundaries?
A friend invites you somewhere that you know substances will be present. This is something you should do.
What is decline or bring support/have an exit plan?
This term describes feeling bored or unsure what to do without substances.
What is boredom?
This type of internal dialogue involves criticizing oneself or doubting one's abilities, which can negatively impact self-esteem and recovery.
What is negative self-talk?
In this stage, a person is thinking about making a change.
What is contemplation?
This behavior involves relying too heavily on others for self-worth.
What is codependency?
This term describes a stage where a person begins to think about using substances again, often as a precursor to physical relapse.
What is a mental relapse?
This challenge involves rebuilding trust with others after recovering from addiction.
What is relationship rebuilding?
This skill involves stopping or changing negative thought patterns.
What is cognitive reframing?
This step involves making small steps toward recovery.
What is preparation?
This means clearly expressing your needs in a respectful way.
What is assertive communication?
This term describes when a person actually uses substances again after a period of sobriety.
What is a physical relapse?
This feeling can occur when facing consequences of past actions.
What is guilt?
This term is acting without considering the consequences.
What is impulsivity?
This stage focuses on maintaining long-term progress.
What is maintenance?
This action may be necessary when a relationship threatens your recovery.
What is distancing (or cutting ties)?
This stage occurs when a person experiences intense feelings such as anger, anxiety, or depression, which can lead to a physical relapse if not managed.
What is an emotional relapse?