Coping Skills
Things that help us to manage and regulate emotions, especially in difficult times.
What are Coping Skills?
The first and most important rule in group therapy.
What is confidentiality? (Or not sharing what is shared by peers)
A powerful desire for something that usually passes.
What is a Craving?
The first symptom experienced that is a sign that you are developing a substance use disorder.
What is Increased Tolerance?
Reading books, watching movies, exercising, and going for walks can all be used as this strategy to cope with cravings, urges or difficult emotions.
What are Distractions?
Coping skill that involves writing down thoughts and emotions.
What is Journaling?
Peer with lived experiences who works for Talbert House or another organization.
What is a Peer Support/Peer Recovery Coach?
Can be internal and/or external and is the biggest reason for relapse.
What are triggers?
With continued use, the brain will stop producing this chemical that enables pleasure.
What is Dopamine?
The first step in 12-step programs such as NA or AA.
What is "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol (or other substances) - that our lives became unmanageable."
______ is important because it reduces stress, helps you stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings, and helps you maintain a positive attitude while staying sober.
What is Mindfulness?
Peer with lived experiences who agrees to guide you in your recovery journey.
What is a Sponsor?
An example of an external trigger.
What are People, Places, and Things?
Long-term use of certain substances can impact this vital function of the brain.
The goal is _____, not ______.
What is Progress and Perfection?
When faced with an urge to use, this coping strategy involves thinking through what is likely to happen if you act on the impulse. Not just how you expect to feel in the moment.
What is Playing the Tape Through?
Clinician who can help you process traumas, increase coping skills, and discuss feelings. Can point you in the direction of resources. Trained in treating mental health and/or substance use disorders.
What is a Therapist/Counselor/Social Worker?
_____ gives you too much time to be with your own thoughts.
What is Isolation or Boredom?
____ losses, like those seen in addiction, can hinder you from reaching your life goals, both personally and professionally.
What is Financial?
Establishing this can help people in recovery create structure, reduce idle time, and make healthy choices more consistent.
What is a healthy routine?
This technique can be used to recenter yourself.
What is Grounding?
A place you can go to meet with peers and discuss recovery topics.
What is AA/NA/other 12-step meetings?
This emotion can fuel isolation, negative self-talk, and hopelessness, increasing vulnerability to relapse
What is Shame?
Research indicates that 30% to 60% of individuals with _____ also have a substance use disorder.
What is PTSD?
The stage of change in which you stay sober (or stay stable after completing the goal).
What is the maintenance stage?