Triggers
What is a trigger?
Anything (internal or external) that increase urge to use.
What's the difference between a trigger and a warning sign?
Triggers start the process, warning signs show relapse may be coming.
What is a thinking trap?
An unhelpful thought that increases relapse risk
What's the goal of coping skills?
Get through urges without using?
Why is support important in relapse prevention?
Recovery isn't meant to be done alone.
Name one internal trigger
Emotions, thoughts, stress, boredom, loneliness, ect
Name one emotional warning sign
irritability, anxiety, numbness, sadness
Finish this thought: "One won't __."
hurt/matter/count/ect
Name one coping skill that works in under 5 minutes
Breathing, grounding, texting someone, walking
Name one type of support besides friends or family.
Therapist, group, sponsor
Name one external trigger
People, places, money, events, holidays, ect
Name one behavioral warning sign
isolating, skipping meetings, lying, not sleeping
Why is "I deserve it" risky in recovery?
Justifies using instead of coping
Why do coping skills sometimes "fail"?
Used too late or not practiced
What's a common barrier to reaching out?
Shame, pride, fear of judgement
True or false: Positive events can be triggers
True
Why are early warning signs easier to change than late ones?
Less momentum toward relapse
Name one way to challenge a thinking trap.
Reality check, play the tape, ask for feedback
What's better, one perfect coping skill or several okay ones?
Several okay ones
When should you reach out before or after urges peak?
Before
Why are triggers more dangerous when we don't notice them?
We react automatically instead of choosing
What's one warning sign other might notice before you do?
(Personal response)
What thinking trap shows up right before relapse for many people?
overconfidence/minimization/bargaining/self-pity
What coping skill works best when urges feel intense?
Connection, distraction, movement
What makes a support person effective?
safe, honest, available, supportive of recovery