Coping Strategies and Reminders
These are the words that make up the H.A.L.T. “Halt” Method, they are helpful in building awareness of our needs in the presence of triggers
What is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired
Name a coping strategy you use when feeling hopeless
What is _______.
Counselor's choice
Surrendering is step ____ out of 12 steps in NA or AA.
What is 3.
Between 1960 and 1990, deaths from _____ among women increased by more than 500%.
What is lung cancer
We discussed setting these to improve group dynamics and socializing in group: Arriving on time, or letting your counselor know when you will be late to group, taking turns speaking, giving space for others to share
What are group expectations or norms/rules
We reflect on these and break them down into manageable tasks, they are helpful in moving forward in recovery and creating positive changes
What are therapy goals
Not using any substances that will interfere with the brain’s ability to heal and decision making.
What is relapse
Building awareness of these to avoid them can help with recovery. These can be situations, activities, or settings where your past substance use frequently occurred
What are external triggers
The fastest addicting drug?
What is nicotine
If you don't get enough of this, you won't feel it could affect your mood in a negative way
What is rest or sleep
These are the words that comprise the R.A.I.N. “Rain” Method by Tara Brach. Thinking through these words help us through emotional regulation and build self-compassion.
What is Recognize, Allow, Investigate, then Nurture
Feeling bad about things one has done or failed to do. Often a part of people's responses to substance uses.
What is guilt or shame
These can be feelings or emotions that often bring the brain back to think about using substances.
What are internal triggers
A synthetic opioid used in treatment of pain and blocks the “high” from drugs like codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone.
What is methadone
Meaningful or necessary activities we do,
which can include making/eating food, socializing, showering, working, playing, music, writing, painting, sleep
What are occupations
A technique of verbally interrupting yourself. This could be literally spoken out loud, or spoken to yourself in your head. Shouting “stop!” or “enough!” or “not now!” when your worries begin to take over
What is thought stopping
Reasons we tell ourselves it is okay to do addictive behaviors or use.
What is justification
A treatment facility that helps people learn adaptive/healthy coping skills, change maladaptive behaviors, and address substance use symptoms.
What is drug rehabilitation.
This is a leading cause of injury-related death in the U.S.
What is drug overdose
These can help us prepare for sleep and can include,
using a sound machine, turning down the lights, listening to background noise, reducing blue light screens before bed
What are sleep routines
This way of coping involves sitting quietly, observing thoughts, sounds, smells, things you see, or closing your eyes and feeling your body’s sensations
What is meditation
A 12 step program with the goal of recovery from substance use disorder
What is NA or AA
Consuming this many alcoholic beverages per week is defined as heavy drinking
What is 15 or more drinks
Use of this drug is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
What is cigarette/cigarette smoking
Writing thoughts in a notebook, sometimes used as a brain dump, or a gratitude list
What is journaling