Withdrawal Stage
This stage occurs when a person stops using substances and the body begins adjusting to the absence of the drug.
What is withdrawal?
This stage occurs after withdrawal and is often called the “honeymoon phase.”
What is early abstinence?
Triggers are things that activate this urge to use substances.
What are cravings?
This thinking pattern occurs when someone believes using “just once” will not cause problems.
What is rationalization?
Calling this type of person can help when experiencing cravings.
What is a support person?
Two common physical symptoms people experience during withdrawal.
What are headaches, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, or muscle aches?
People in early abstinence may feel this positive emotional state that sometimes leads to overconfidence.
What is optimism or increased energy?
Triggers can come from people, places, things, times, or these internal experiences.
What are emotions?
This occurs when thoughts about using keep repeating in a person’s mind.
What is obsession?
This healthy activity helps reduce stress and improve mood during recovery.
What is exercise?
This emotional symptom during withdrawal can include irritability, depression, or anxiety.
What is psychological distress?
These can still occur during early abstinence even when the person is no longer physically detoxing.
What are cravings and triggers?
This situation might be a trigger if it reminds someone of past substance use.
What are certain locations or environments?
This stage of the craving cycle involves the strong urge to act on the thought.
What is compulsion?
This technique involves paying attention to breathing or the present moment to reduce anxiety.
What is mindfulness?
This makes relapse more likely when people have not yet learned how to manage cravings or stress.
What is lack of coping strategies?
One relapse risk in early abstinence occurs when someone believes they no longer need treatment or support.
What is overconfidence?
This trigger could occur when someone spends time with friends who still use substances.
What is social pressure or peer influence?
external triggers
This technique can help stop a negative thought before it turns into a craving.
What is thought stopping?
This activity helps people express thoughts and emotions in a healthy way.
What is journaling?
This type of support is important during withdrawal to help individuals resist relapse.
What is support from family, peers, or a treatment team?
This healthy behavior helps people manage cravings and stress during early recovery.
What are coping strategies?
This internal trigger includes feelings such as anger, sadness, or stress.
What are emotional triggers?
This step in the craving cycle often happens after obsessive thoughts continue.
What are cravings or drug-seeking behavior?
This recovery behavior involves attending meetings or continuing therapy.
What is maintaining structure and support in recovery?