Early Recovery Basics
What does “PAWS” stand for?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Define a “trigger.”
Any person, place, thing, or emotion that causes craving or risk of relapse
What does CBT stand for?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What’s a boundary?
A limit or guideline that protects your well-being
What is Step 1 of the 12 Steps?
Admitting powerlessness over addiction
True or False: Early recovery means you’re completely healed from addiction.
False
Give one example of a healthy coping skill.
Deep breathing, journaling, calling support, exercise, etc.
What’s one DBT skill used for emotion regulation?
Opposite Action, Check the Facts, PLEASE, etc.
True or False: Saying “no” is an unhealthy boundary.
False
What does “making amends” mean?
Taking responsibility and attempting to repair harm caused
What’s one emotional symptom often seen in PAWS?
Anxiety, depression, or irritability
What’s the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger leads to a craving; a craving is the desire to use
In CBT, what’s the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?
In CBT, what’s the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?
What’s one sign of codependent behavior?
Trying to fix others, enabling, or neglecting self-care
Name one of the 9 Noble Virtues from Odinist Recovery.
Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Self-Reliance, Industriousness, Perseverance
What’s one red flag that might lead someone to relapse early in recovery?
Isolating, skipping meetings, overconfidence, or not using supports
When feeling triggered, what’s one grounding technique you can use?
5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding, mindfulness, etc.
What DBT skill helps tolerate distress without making it worse?
Radical Acceptance or TIP skills
How can healthy boundaries support sobriety?
Prevents resentment, relapse, and unhealthy relationships
How are the 12 Steps and 9 Virtues similar?
Both promote honesty, humility, accountability, and growth
What is one realistic goal someone can set in their first 30 days sober?
Attending groups, finding a sponsor, maintaining structure, etc.
How can identifying triggers ahead of time help with relapse prevention?
Increases awareness and allows planning coping responses
What’s an example of a negative thinking pattern that CBT targets?
All-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, mind reading, etc.
What’s one strategy for setting or maintaining a boundary?
Using “I” statements, being consistent, practicing assertiveness
What spiritual principle relates to Step 7 (Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings)?
Humility