Triggers & Cravings
Name one common emotional trigger.
(Answer: Stress, anger, loneliness, boredom, etc.)
What is one healthy coping skill you’ve used?
(Answer: Personal — varies)
True or False Willpower alone is enough to overcome addiction.
False
Who can be part of your sober support system?
(Answer: Sponsor, family, therapist, friends, group members, etc.)
What’s one goal you have for yourself this week?
(Answer: Personal)
What’s the difference between a craving and a trigger?
(Answer: Trigger = external/internal cue; Craving = the urge to use)
How does mindfulness help in recovery?
(Answer: Increases awareness, reduces automatic reactions, improves emotional regulation)
True or False — Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing.
True
Why is accountability important in recovery?
(Answer: Helps maintain commitment, reduces isolation, increases support)
Name a strength you’ve discovered in yourself since entering recovery.
(Answer: Personal — resilience, courage, honesty, etc.)
Name two ways to reduce a craving.
(Answer: Call sponsor, distraction, exercise, deep breathing, mindfulness, etc.)
Name a grounding technique for anxiety or urges.
(Answer: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise, deep breathing, holding an object, etc.)
What percent of people relapse after treatment?
Around 40–60% — similar to other chronic illnesses)
Name one benefit of attending group meetings.
(Answer: Shared experience, encouragement, learning, support, belonging)
How has recovery changed your perspective on life?
(Answer: Personal — open reflection)
Describe the HALT acronym and how it relates to triggers.
(Answer: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — common vulnerable states that increase relapse risk)
What’s the difference between avoidance and healthy coping?
(Answer: Avoidance pushes problems away; healthy coping addresses or manages them)
Myth or Fact Once you relapse, you have to start recovery all over from the beginning.
(Answer: Myth — relapse is a setback, but recovery is a continuous journey)
What are two qualities to look for in a good sponsor or accountability partner?
(Answer: Trustworthy, experienced, supportive, reliable, nonjudgmental)
What is one value or belief you’ve reevaluated during recovery?
(Answer: Personal — could include honesty, relationships, self-worth, spirituality, etc.)
Explain the connection between past trauma and current triggers.
(Answer: Trauma creates emotional patterns that heighten sensitivity to certain triggers or situations)
Describe a coping skill you’ve learned here that you had never used before and how it helps you
(Answer: Personal — reflection and sharing)
Myth or Fact — Addiction only affects the person using, not their family or community.
Myth — it impacts families, relationships, work, and society)
Describe a time when you had to reach out for help — what did you learn from that experience?
(Answer: Personal — encourages group sharing and reflection)
Where do you see yourself in one year if you stay on your recovery path?
(Answer: Personal — goal-setting and visioning)