Triggers
What is a trigger?
A person, place, thought, feeling, or situation that can increase the urge or risk to use substances.
What is a relapse warning sign?
A change in thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or routines that may show someone's risk of returning to use is increasing.
Name ONE healthy coping skill someone could use during a craving.
Calling a support person, leaving the situation, distraction, exercise, grounding, attending a recovery meeting, or another healthy activity.
Name ONE example of a high-risk situation.
Arguments, payday, being around substances, loneliness, celebrations, boredom, stress, or spending time with people associated with past use.
What is the main purpose of a relapse-prevention plan?
To identify risks ahead of time and have specific actions and supports ready.
Name TWO types of triggers.
People, places, feelings, thoughts, situations, memories, or events.
Name TWO possible relapse warning signs.
Examples: isolating, increased cravings, skipping recovery activities, reconnecting with people associated with use, becoming less honest, or changing healthy routines.
Name THREE people or supports someone might contact during a high-risk situation.
A sponsor, counselor, peer, trusted family member, recovery support, or another safe person.
True or False: The same situation will have the same level of risk for everyone in recovery.
False. High-risk situations are different for each person.
Fill in the blank: A good relapse-prevention plan should be specific and ________.
Realistic.
True or False: Triggers are always negative situations.
False. Positive things like celebrations, payday, or exciting news can also be triggers.
True or False: A person has to actually use a substance before relapse warning signs can occur.
Warning signs can happen before substance use.
Someone is invited somewhere they know substances will be available. Name TWO ways they could lower their risk.
Decline the invitation, bring a supportive person, have an exit plan, choose another activity, or leave if substances appear.
Someone knows payday has been connected to substance use in the past. What could they do BEFORE payday?
Make a plan for their money, involve a trusted support, avoid high-risk people or places, or plan a recovery-supportive activity.
Why might “I just won't use” not be enough of a relapse-prevention plan?
It doesn't identify what the person will actually do when triggers, cravings, or high-risk situations happen.
Someone drives past a place where they used to use substances and suddenly experiences a craving. What type of trigger is the place?
An external trigger.
Someone stops reaching out to supports, begins isolating, and starts thinking frequently about past substance use. What should they do?
Recognize the warning signs and use their relapse-prevention plan or reach out for support.
Why should someone have more than ONE coping strategy in their relapse-prevention plan?
One strategy may not always be available or work in every situation, so having backup options helps.
Why can boredom or being alone become a high-risk situation?
It can increase cravings, thoughts about past use, or opportunities to return to old behaviors.
Someone's first coping strategy isn't working and their craving is getting stronger. What part of a good relapse-prevention plan becomes especially important?
The backup plan.
Someone thinks, “I've been doing good. One time won't hurt.” Why could this thought be a trigger?
It can lower awareness of risk and make returning to substance use seem safe or okay.
Why is recognizing warning signs early important?
It gives someone more time and more options to respond before the risk increases.
A coping strategy looks great on paper, but the person knows they probably won't actually use it. What's the problem with the plan?
It isn't realistic or practical for that person.
Someone rates a situation 9 out of 10 for relapse risk. Name THREE things they could put in their plan before entering that situation.
A coping strategy, support person, safer place/exit plan, reminder of recovery goals, or backup plan.
Put these in a useful order: support/action, warning signs, high-risk situation.
High-risk situation → warning signs → support/action.