What's Missing?
This is something we believe to be true without having all the facts.
What is an assumption?
This means stepping back from a situation to consider more than the immediate problem.
What is seeing the bigger picture?
This recovery skill involves accepting responsibility for your choices and actions.
What is accountability?
True or false: Feeling angry automatically means someone has disrespected you.
What is false? Feelings are real, but interpretations may be inaccurate.
This is the ability to pause and consider possible results before acting.
What is thinking ahead or impulse control?
A peer walks past you without speaking. Before deciding they're angry, you should do this.
What is considering other explanations or asking for clarification?
You have one bad day and say, "My whole week is ruined." This is an example of this thinking pattern.
What is overgeneralization?
This involves expressing needs, listening to others, and resolving misunderstandings.
What is healthy communication?
True or false: Experiencing a craving means your recovery is failing.
What is false? Cravings can occur in recovery and can be managed.
You want to respond angrily to a text. Name one action that allows time to gain perspective.
What is waiting before replying, taking a walk, or practicing deep breathing?
This is the difference between what actually happened and what we think happened.
What is the difference between fact and interpretation?
A client experiences a craving but chooses to call a sponsor instead of using. Identify the bigger-picture success.
What is recognizing and managing a craving with a healthy coping skill?
Name three important pieces of a healthy recovery lifestyle beyond abstinence.
What are emotional regulation, support systems, boundaries, employment, self-care, or healthy relationships?
This thinking error involves assuming you know what another person is thinking.
What is mind reading?
A friend invites you somewhere associated with past substance use. What bigger-picture concern should you consider?
What is the potential risk to recovery and personal safety?
Someone criticizes your work. Name two pieces of information you may be missing before deciding their intentions.
What are their intentions, their communication style, the context, or the purpose of the feedback?
Someone tells you "no," and you immediately feel rejected. Give two other possible explanations.
What are personal boundaries, limited resources, scheduling conflicts, or other personal circumstances?
A person remains abstinent but continues lying, isolating, and blaming others. What parts of the recovery picture need attention?
What are honesty, accountability, relationships, emotional health, and coping skills?
You make one mistake and conclude, "I always mess everything up." Identify the thinking error and a healthier response.
What is overgeneralization? A healthier response is recognizing that one mistake does not define every effort.
Explain the difference between immediate gratification and long-term satisfaction using a recovery example.
What is choosing short-term relief versus making a decision that supports long-term recovery goals?
You hear only one side of an argument. Explain why making a judgment immediately can be harmful.
What is making an unfair judgment because missing information can lead to resentment, misunderstandings, or unnecessary conflict?
Explain how changing your perspective can change your behavior without changing the actual situation.
What is recognizing that a different interpretation can reduce emotional reactivity and support healthier choices?
Explain why working on only one area of recovery may leave someone vulnerable to setbacks.
What is because unresolved problems in other areas can create stress, instability, and increased relapse risk?
A client says, "Nobody supports me," although several people have offered help. What thinking pattern may be occurring?
What is mental filtering or discounting positive evidence?
A client is offered a higher-paying job that conflicts with treatment. Identify at least three factors to evaluate before deciding.
What are financial needs, treatment obligations, alternative schedules, recovery stability, and long-term goals?