What's the Catch
A person says, "I deserve a break." What is the hidden catch if they believe substance use is the only way to relax?
The person may begin to believe that substance use is their only option for relief, overlooking healthier coping strategies.
A person says, "I can control myself." What belief about substance use is being expressed?
The person believes they can control their substance use and avoid negative consequences, potentially overestimating their ability to manage the risks.
Change "I deserve a break" into a healthy recovery-oriented response.
"I deserve a break, and I can rest or relax without putting my recovery at risk."
Jordan has a bad day and thinks, "I need it to relax." Identify one healthy coping skill Jordan could use instead.
Practice deep breathing, take a walk, contact a support person, or use grounding techniques, etc.
Name two healthy ways to manage stress without using substances.
Exercise, deep breathing, journaling, talking with support, mindfulness, or taking a healthy break.
Someone says, "Nobody will know." What important factor is this justification overlooking?
Whether anyone finds out does not eliminate the potential risks or consequences of substance use. Recovery impact matters even if others don't know.
Someone says, "I'm already stressed, so I need to use." What emotion is influencing their justification?
Stress. The person is using their emotional discomfort to justify substance use as a way to cope or relax.
Rewrite "I'm already stressed" into a statement that acknowledges the emotion and identifies a healthy alternative.
"I'm stressed, and I can reach out for support or use a coping skill instead of using."
Alex's friends are using, and Alex thinks, "My friends are using, so maybe I can too." Name two recovery-supportive choices Alex could make.
Set a boundary or leave the situation.
Contact a sponsor, counselor, or trusted recovery support.
Name one person or support resource someone could contact when experiencing relapse justification thoughts.
A sponsor, counselor, trusted friend, peer support group, or recovery support person.
A person says, "I've proven I can stay sober, so I can use once." What assumption is being made, and why should it be challenged?
The person assumes that past sobriety guarantees they can return to use without negative consequences. Past success in recovery does not eliminate the risks of returning to substance use.
A person says, "What's the point of trying?" What type of thinking could make this justification dangerous for recovery?
Hopeless or all-or-nothing thinking. The person may view a setback as proof that recovery efforts are pointless.
Challenge the thought, "One time won't hurt." What is one potential risk the person should consider?
Even one use could lead to renewed cravings, loss of control, or a setback in recovery. The person should consider their individual history and recovery goals.
Taylor says, "I don't care anymore" after experiencing a setback. What could a supportive friend or counselor say to help Taylor challenge this thought?
"This setback doesn't erase your progress. Let's focus on what you need right now and identify one step you can take to support your recovery."
What is one question a person can ask themselves before acting on a relapse justification?
"What could happen if I act on this thought, and does this choice support my recovery goals?"
A client says, "It will be different this time." Name two things the client should consider before believing this justification.
What evidence supports the belief that the outcome will be different?
What potential risks or consequences could occur if the person returns to use?
Explain the difference between having a craving and using that craving to justify returning to substance use.
A craving is an urge or experience. A justification is a thought that makes acting on the urge seem acceptable. A person can experience a craving without acting on it.
Rewrite "I can start over tomorrow" into a response that encourages action in the present.
"I don't have to wait until tomorrow. I can make a recovery-supportive choice right now."
Sam is overwhelmed and thinks, "I can't deal with this." Identify the justification, one possible underlying emotion, and two healthy actions Sam could take.
Justification: "I can't deal with this."
Emotion: Stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed.
Healthy actions: Reach out to support and practice a coping skill, such as grounding or taking a break from the situation.
Explain the STOP–CHECK–CHOOSE strategy and how it can be used when a relapse justification occurs.
STOP: Pause before acting on the thought.
CHECK: Examine the thought, evidence, emotions, and potential risks.
CHOOSE: Select a recovery-supportive action, such as contacting support or leaving a risky situation.
A person experiences a stressful day and thinks, "I deserve a break. I've earned it. I can start over tomorrow." Identify the hidden catch behind this thinking and explain how the person could challenge it.
The hidden catch is that the person is combining emotional distress, reward-based justification, and postponement of recovery. This may make returning to use seem acceptable while minimizing risks.
A person says, "It will be different this time." Identify two questions they could ask themselves to challenge this justification.
What evidence do I have that the outcome will actually be different?
What risks or consequences could occur if I return to use?
Create a recovery response to "I've earned it. I deserve to have fun." Your response must acknowledge the person's feelings and identify a healthy way to meet their needs.
"I've worked hard and deserve to enjoy myself. I can celebrate, relax, or have fun in a way that supports my recovery."
Chris has been sober for several months, is experiencing stress, and thinks, "I've proven I can stay sober, so I can use once." Explain how Chris could challenge the thought, identify potential risks, and create a relapse prevention plan.
Challenge: Previous sobriety does not guarantee that returning to use will be safe or controlled.
Risks: Renewed cravings, loss of control, or disruption of recovery.
Plan: Identify stress as a trigger, contact support, avoid the immediate high-risk situation, and use healthy coping strategies.
Create a personal or hypothetical relapse prevention plan that includes a trigger, a relapse justification, two coping strategies, and one support resource.
Trigger: Conflict with family.
Justification: "I can't deal with this."
Coping strategies: Take a break and practice grounding.
Support: Contact a sponsor or counselor.
Plan: Leave the stressful situation if needed, use coping skills, and reach out for support before making a decision.