Triggers
These are people, places, or things connected to past substance use.
What is External Triggers
Feeling nervous, restless, and on edge are symptoms of this.
What is Anxious
Going to bed and waking up at consistent times improves this.
What is Sleep Hygiene
Calling someone in recovery when cravings increase is using this.
What is a Support System
Marcus feels overwhelmed after an argument. He notices the craving, takes deep breaths, calls his sponsor, and waits 20 minutes before making any decisions.
What is using coping skills
Stress, anger, loneliness, and boredom are examples of these.
What is Internal Triggers
Persistent sadness, low motivation, and loss of interest may indicate this
What is Depression
Scheduling your day reduces idle time and lowers risk of this.
What is relapse?
This type of goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
What is a SMART goal
Chris has been isolating, not sleeping well, skipping meetings, and feeling irritable for a week, but has not used.
What is emotional relapse
Avoiding high-risk environments is part of managing this.
What is Triggers
Using substances to cope with emotions can worsen this.
What is Mental Health
Creating structure in early recovery helps build this long-term outcome.
What is sobriety?
Daily exercise can improve mood by releasing these chemicals in the brain.
What are endorphins
Tasha’s cousin invites her to a party where alcohol will be present. Instead of avoiding the conversation, she says, “I’m focusing on my recovery right now, so I won’t be attending.”
What is setting boundaries
A sudden strong urge to use is called this.
What is Cravings
Practicing mindfulness can reduce this common relapse risk factor.
What is Stress
Making amends for harm caused during active addiction reflects this.
What is accountability?
Celebrating clean time milestones helps strengthen this in recovery
What is motivation
James drives past his old neighborhood and suddenly feels a strong urge to call his old dealer. His heart starts racing and he tells himself, “Just once won’t hurt.”
What is experiencing a craving
Identifying warning signs early helps prevent this.
What is Relapse Prevention
Having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder is called this.
What is co-occurring disorders
Drinking enough water daily supports energy, focus, and overall physical _____.
What is wellness?
HALT reminds us to check if we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or _____.
What is Tired
After missing group, Danielle comes in the next day and says, “I overslept and didn’t prioritize my recovery yesterday. I need to do better.”
What is taking accountability