Triggers & Cravings
Feeling angry, lonely, tired, or stressed are examples of these kinds of triggers.
emotional triggers
Slow breathing exercises can help calm this system in the body.
Nervous system
True or false: Relapse often starts before substance use happens.
True
What does MAT stand for?
Medication-assisted treatment
When someone has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, it is called this.
Co-occuring disorders
Seeing old using friends or visiting places connected to past use are examples of these triggers.
Environmental triggers
Talking to supportive people instead of isolating is an example of this healthy recovery behavior.
Reaching out for support
Skipping meetings, isolating, and ignoring stress can be these.
Warning signs
This type of healthcare professional may prescribe MAT medications and monitor recovery progress
Doctor, nurse practioner, or other healthcare provider.
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are examples of these.
Mental health disorders
True or False: Stress is one of the most common relapse triggers.
True
Name one grounding technique someone can use during stress or cravings.
deep breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 senses exercise, holding ice, mindfulness, meditation, or naming objects in the room
Being overly confident and believing “I can handle triggers easily now” can become this type of relapse risk.
Overconfidence
What MAT medication can block the effects of opioids and is sometimes given as a monthly injection?
Naltrexone
Some people may use substances to temporarily cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain. This is sometimes called what?
Self medication
This strategy involves avoiding high-risk people, places, and situations whenever possible.
Trigger avoidance
This coping skill helps people stay focused on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future.
Mindfulness
Name one healthy action someone can take after experiencing a setback in recovery.
Call support, attend a meeting, contact a counselor, restart routines, use coping skills, or ask for help.
Name one benefit of MAT for people recovering from opioid use disorder.
Reduced cravings, reduced withdrawal symptoms, lower overdose risk, improved stability, better treatment retention, or improved quality of life.
Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance may be associated with this mental health condition.
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD
Music, smells, or certain holidays can unexpectedly bring back memories connected to substance use. These are called _____.
Sensory triggers
True or False: Healthy coping skills usually become easier with practice over time.
True
Name three warning signs that someone may be struggling in recovery.
Isolation, mood changes, skipping meetings, increased stress, poor sleep, cravings, dishonesty, avoiding support, irritability, or returning to risky environments.
Name two things, besides medication, that support long-term recovery.
Counseling, therapy, support groups, healthy routines, coping skills, exercise, family support, or recovery community.
This type of treatment addresses both substance use and mental health conditions together rather than separately.
Integrated treatment