Triggers
What is a trigger?
A trigger is something that causes cravings or reminds someone of past substance use or unhealthy behavior.
What’s a coping skill?
A healthy strategy used to manage stress, emotions, or cravings.
Who is part of your support system?
Family, friends, sponsors, therapists, counselors, or peers in recovery.
What’s an early warning sign of relapse?
Withdrawing from others, skipping meetings, poor self-care, or thinking about using.
What is self-care?
Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Name one emotional trigger.
Examples: anger, sadness, boredom, loneliness, stress, or guilt.
Name a healthy coping skill you can use when you feel stressed.
Deep breathing, journaling, talking to someone, listening to music, or going for a walk.
Why is it important to reach out for help?
Because staying connected prevents isolation and provides encouragement during difficult times.
Name a behavior that shows you might be struggling.
Lying, isolating, losing motivation, or hanging around old using friends.
Give one example of physical self-care.
Eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, or showering daily.
Why is identifying triggers important?
Because recognizing them helps you avoid or manage situations that could lead to relapse.
What’s one grounding technique you can use to stay present?
The “5-4-3-2-1” technique: name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste.
Name one way to build stronger support connections.
Attend meetings, be honest with others, reach out regularly, or volunteer.
What’s the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
A lapse is a one-time slip; a relapse is a return to old patterns or ongoing use.
What’s something you can do daily to stay motivated in recovery?
Practice gratitude, set small goals, use affirmations, or connect with positive people.
What’s one way to avoid a known trigger?
Avoid certain people or places, use coping skills, plan ahead, or reach out for support.
How can art, journaling, or music help with coping?
They allow emotional expression, reduce stress, and improve mood.
How can peers in recovery support your progress?
They understand your struggles, offer advice, and hold you accountable.
How can journaling help you recognize warning signs?
It helps track moods, patterns, and situations that lead to cravings.
How can setting goals help prevent relapse?
Goals give direction, purpose, and focus—keeping you motivated and accountable.
Describe a situation that could become a trigger and how you would handle it.
Going to a party where people are drinking. Plan to bring a sober friend, leave early, or skip the event entirely.
Create a short coping plan for a stressful situation.
Example: “When I feel overwhelmed, I’ll pause to breathe, journal my feelings, call my sponsor or friend, and distract myself with a hobby.”
Describe how you can ask for help when you feel triggered.
“I’m struggling right now and could use someone to talk to,” or text/call a trusted person before acting on urges.
What could you do if you start noticing old patterns returning?
Talk to a counselor, attend a meeting, use coping skills, and make a new plan.
Share one affirmation or quote that helps you stay positive.
“One day at a time,” “I am stronger than my urges,” or “Recovery is worth it.”