High Risk Situations
What type of high risk situation is an abandoned warehouse; your old neighborhood?
Places : what are examples?
what is step one of problem solving?
Identify the problem
“It’s not my fault—I was stressed out.”
“Everyone else was doing it.”
“I didn’t mean to; it just happened.”
“If they hadn’t said that, I wouldn’t have reacted that way.”
“It’s not that bad compared to what other people do.”
“I’ve been through a lot; people should understand.”
Making Excuses
“I only broke the law because I know how to handle myself.”
“I don’t need to follow those rules—they’re for people who can’t think for themselves.”
“It’s not really stealing if I deserve it.”
“I can talk my way out of it if I get caught.”
Being Above the Law
You’ve been offered a new job that pays more money but is farther from home and would mean less time with family.
Decision making — choosing between two options with pros and cons.
What type of high risk situation is a "family member who don't hold you accountable?"
PEOPLE: what are examples?
What is step 3 of problem solving?
identify solutions
“I was supposed to work on my goals, but something else came up.”
“I’ll deal with that later; right now I just need to relax.”
“I can’t focus on recovery when people keep bothering me.”
“I was doing fine until I got upset—then I just gave up.”
“I got distracted and didn’t even notice I was slipping back into old habits.”
Getting Sidetracked
“It’s too hard to do the right thing.”
“I already messed up—why bother fixing it?”
“No one will notice if I skip it this time.”
“I don’t care right now.”
“It’s not my problem.”
Ignoring Responsible Action
You forgot your counseling appointment and now your attendance record is at risk.
Problem solving — figuring out how to fix the situation and prevent it next time.
What type of high risk situation is a "A gun"
things: what are examples?
What is step 5 of problem solving?
put the plan in action
how can you change a thinking error?
what are examples of how you changed your thinking errors?
“If I help them out, they’ll owe me later.”
“I’ll donate so people see that I’m a good person.”
“I’ll apologize just so they stop being mad.”
“I’ll volunteer—it’ll look good in court.”
“If I act nice, they won’t suspect anything.”
“I gave them money; now they should respect me.”
Self-Serving Acts of Kindness
Your roommate keeps eating your food, and you’re feeling frustrated.
Problem solving — identifying the issue, exploring options, and finding a resolution
What are strategies for managing high risk situations?
Ask a responsible friend for help.
Call a supportive family member.
Go to a safe place.
- Identify what some of these are for you.
What is step 2 of problem solving?
Determine why it's a problem and clarify goals
“I’ll show them who’s boss.”
“They need to learn who’s in control here.”
“I have to win every argument.”
“If they don’t do what I say, they’ll regret it.”
Asserting Power Over Others
“I’ve done worse before and never got caught.”
“They’ll never find out.”
“As long as no one gets hurt, it’s fine.”
“I’ll just talk my way out of it if I have to.”
“They can’t prove it, so it doesn’t count.”
“Rules are meant to be bent.”
You’re invited to two different weekend events at the same time — one with family, one with friends.
Decision making — choosing between available options.
What types of high risk situation is a "meeting a friend who carries a gun at a bar"
People, Places, things
What is step 4 of problem solving?
Make a plan
what is a thinking error?
ways to justify negative activity / criminal activity
“Whatever happens, happens.”
“I don’t feel like dealing with it.”
“It’s fine; I’ll figure it out later.”
“Why bother thinking about it—it won’t change anything.”
“It’s too hard to think about the consequences right now.”
Lazy Thinking
Your car won’t start, and you have to be at work in 30 minutes.
Problem solving — identifying what’s wrong and figuring out immediate next steps.