TRIGGERS & CRAVINGS
In recovery language, what is a "trigger"?
Anything (internal or external) that increaes the urge to use-such as a feeling, situation, place, person, thought, or money.
What model includes the stages precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance?
The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change).
What is one quick coping skill that uses the body to calm the nervous system?
Slow, deep breathing (e.g., inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds).
What is one benefit of having a support network in recovery?
Accountability and encouragement (plus help during cravings or high-risk situations).
What is one “high-risk situation” for relapse?
Being around people using substances, stress, celebrations, isolation, or having access to substances.
Name two common categories of triggers.
External triggers (people, places,things) and internal triggers (thoughts, emotions, body sensations).
In which stage of change is someone not yet considering change or mayhy not see use as a problem?
Precontemplation
What is a coping statement?
A short phrase you repeat to support recovery in a tough moment (e.g., "Cravings pass"' I don't have to use today").
Name two types of recovery supports.
Examples: mutual help meetings (AA/NA/SMART), counseling/therapy, medication-assisted treatment, peer recovery coach, supportive family/friends, sober housing.
What does it mean to have a relapse prevention plan?
A written set of strategies for triggers, cravings, supports to contact, boundaries, and steps to take if warning signs show up.
What does the acronym HALT stand for, and why is it used in recovery?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired-states that can increae vulnerability to cravings and relapse risk.
What stage is characterized by making a plan and taking small steps (e.g. setting a quit date, finding a meeting)?
Preperation
What does it mean to "play the tape through"?
Mentally fast-forwarding to likely consequences of using (and benefits of not using) to strengthen a recovery choice.
In mutual-help groups, what is a sponsor (or recovery mentor) generally for?
A more experienced peer who offers guidance, support, and accountability in recovery.
What is one common “warning sign” that relapse risk is increasing?
Skipping meetings/supports, isolating, romanticizing past use, increased stress without coping, or reconnecting with people/places tied to use.
What's the difference between a craving and a thought about using?
A thought is an idea or mental image; a craving is a stronger urge that can include phsical sensations and emotional intensity.
In stages -of-change language, what does "maintenance" focus on?
Sustaining changes over time, prreventing relapse, and building a stable recovery lifestyle.
Name one grounding skill that uses the five senses.
5-4-2-3-1 grounding: identify 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1you taste.
What is "recovery capital"?
The internal and external resources that support recovery (e.g., health, housing, skills, supportive relationships, purpose, financial stability)
What is the “ABCs” idea in relapse prevention (basic version)?
: A = Activating event/trigger, B = Beliefs/thoughts about it, C = Consequences/choices—changing B can change C.
What is urge surfing?
A mindfulness technique of noticing cravings like a wave-observing them rise, peak, and fall without acting on them.
True or false? Relapse automatically means someone "failed" and must start completely over.
False. A return to use can be part of the change process; it's a signal to reassess supports and skills and re-engage in treatment/recovery.
In DBT, what does the skill acronym STOP stand for?
Stop; Take a step back; Observe; Proceed mindfully.
What’s one reason someone might need medical supervision for withdrawal?
Some withdrawals can be medically risky; supervised care can manage symptoms and reduce complications (always refer to a clinician).
If someone has a return to use, what are two helpful next steps (nonjudgmental)?
Reach out for support immediately (sponsor/therapist/peer), remove access to substances, seek medical care if needed, review what led up to it, and strengthen the plan.