TRIGGERS & CRAVINGS
Question:
Name one example of an external trigger.
Answer:
People, places, money, bars, certain neighborhoods, drug paraphernalia, certain music, etc.
Question:
What does honesty mean in recovery?
Answer:
Being truthful with yourself and others.
Question:
Name one symptom of anxiety.
Answer:
Racing thoughts, sweating, rapid heartbeat, worry, restlessness.
Question:
What are the three stages of relapse?
Answer: Emotional, Mental, Physical.
Question:
Name one thing money saved in recovery could be used for.
Answer:
Bills, family, vacation, hobbies, savings, car, home.
What is addiction considered by most medical professionals?
Answer: A chronic, treatable brain disease.
True or False:
Cravings usually last forever unless you give in.
Answer:
False. Most cravings peak and decrease within about 20–30 minutes.
Question:
Name one benefit of attending support meetings.
Answer:
Accountability, encouragement, learning coping skills, building sober relationships.
True or False:
Mental health symptoms can increase the risk of relapse.
Answer:
True.
Question:
Name one warning sign that someone may be heading toward relapse.
Answer:
Isolation, skipping meetings, lying, romanticizing use, increased stress, stopping medication.
Question:
What is one hobby that doesn't involve alcohol or drugs?
Answer:
Reading, fishing, gym, hiking, cooking, gaming, crafts, gardening.
What brain chemical is primarily responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure?
Dopamine
Question:
Name two healthy ways to cope with cravings.
Answer:
Call someone, exercise, deep breathing, distract yourself, journal, attend a meeting, take a walk, pray, listen to music, etc.
Question:
What's one healthy daily habit that supports recovery?
Answer:
Sleep, exercise, healthy eating, medication compliance, therapy, journaling, prayer, meditation.
Question:
Name one healthy way to manage stress.
Answer:
Exercise, breathing exercises, mindfulness, talking to someone, music, hobbies.
Question:
What type of trigger comes from feelings like stress or loneliness?
Answer: Internal trigger.
Question:
Finish the quote:
"One day at a ____."
Answer:
Time.
What is the term for needing more of a substance to get the same effect?
Tolerance
Question:
What HALT stands for?
Answer:
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired
Question:
Why is having a routine helpful in recovery?
Answer:
It reduces idle time, lowers stress, and creates healthy habits.
Question:
What emotion do people often confuse with anger?
Answer:
Hurt, fear, embarrassment, sadness.
Question:
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
Answer:
A lapse is a brief return to use; a relapse is returning to an ongoing pattern of substance use.
Question:
If you could instantly master one healthy skill, what would it be?
Answer:
Any healthy recovery-related answer.
What is the difference between physical dependence and addiction?
Answer: Dependence is physical adaptation; addiction involves compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
Question:
You receive a text from someone you used drugs with asking to "hang out." What should you do?
Answer:
Decline, block or ignore, contact a support person, avoid risky situations.
Question:
Name three people who could be part of your recovery support network.
Answer:
Sponsor, therapist, family, sober friend, peer recovery coach, pastor, doctor, counselor.
Question:
Why is it important to treat both substance use and mental health together?
Answer:
Because they influence one another and recovery is stronger when both are addressed.
Question:
Give three things that belong in a relapse prevention plan.
Answer:
Triggers
Warning signs
Emergency contacts
Coping skills
Meetings
Safe places
Reasons for recovery
Question:
Name three healthy coping skills that cost no money.
Answer:
Walking, journaling, meditation, deep breathing, stretching, calling a friend, prayer, reading, listening to music, etc.
Name the five stages of change.
Answer: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance.