Relapse Warning Signs
What are the three stages of relapse?
Emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse.
Name one healthy coping skill you can use when experiencing a craving.
Yall got this one
Addiction affects what part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex.
what is trigger?
nything that creates an urge or desire to use.
Name one benefit of attending recovery meetings.
: Support, accountability, connection, learning from others.
True or False: Relapse begins when someone picks up a substance.
False.
Relapse often starts with thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and choices before substance use happens.
What does HALT stand for?
: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
WHAT PAWS
: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome — ongoing symptoms after detox such as mood swings, cravings, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Name three types of triggers.
What does “one day at a time” mean?
Focus on making healthy choices today instead of becoming overwhelmed by the future.
Name two emotional warning signs that someone may be moving toward relapse.
You are having a strong craving. What is one thing you should do before making a decision?
Pause, reach out, and use a coping skill.
True or False: Having cravings means someone has failed at recovery.
False. Cravings are normal; recovery is about how someone responds.
Your old using friend calls you and wants to “catch up.” What should you consider before responding?
Boundaries, safety, recovery goals, and potential consequences.
Why are healthy relationships important in recovery?
They provide support, accountability, and reduce isolation.
Someone stops attending groups, avoids peers, and says “I’m fine” while struggling. What relapse warning sign is this?
: Isolation/denial/lack of support
Why is “just one time” a dangerous thought in recovery?
Because it minimizes risk and can lead back into addictive patterns.
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse? (Also what do we think of thisquestion)
A lapse is a brief return to use; relapse is a return to ongoing patterns of substance use.
Someone gets paid and immediately thinks about using. What type of trigger might this be?
Environmental or situational trigger.
: What are three things that belong in a relapse prevention plan?
A person starts romanticizing their past use by saying “It wasn’t that bad.” What is happening?
Mental relapse (glamorizing or minimizing past substance use).
Create a 5-minute coping plan for someone experiencing an intense craving.
Why is structure important in early recovery?
: Structure creates accountability, stability, healthy routines, and reduces opportunities for relapse.
Explain the difference between a trigger and a choice.
A trigger creates an urge, but the person still has choices about how they respond.
Finish this sentence: “My recovery is stronger when I…”
Open discussion