Understanding the Relapse Process
Triggers, Cravings, and High Risk Situations
Triggers, Cravings, and High Risk Situations
2
Support
100

What is a "relapse?"

The process of returning to the use of alcohol or other drugs after a time of quitting. What is addiction

100

What is a trigger?

Something outside of you that puts you at risk for relapse. People, places, things, or situations. 
100

What is an urge/cravings?

A belief, emotion, attitude, or a reaction to a situation that puts you at risk for relapse. 

100

What is a sponsor?

A clean, sober person who is active in a recovery program. 
200

What is a "lapse?"

When you are very close to drinking, using drugs, or getting involved in criminal activity but haven't actually crossed the line. 

200

What are social pressures?

Can be indirect or direct: being offered drugs or a drink or being involved in a family gathering or work-related event where alcohol or other drugs are being used. 
200

True or false: I can control myself in high-risk. situations.

False

200

True or false: A sponsor must be sober for 1 year or more, be trustworthy, be objective and supportive and can be any gender.

False: They must be the same gender as you

300

Name the four changes before a relapse or lapse. 

Changes in your behavior, attitude, feelings/moods, thoughts. 

300

What four questions should you ask yourself every time you get an urge/craving? 

1. What triggered your urge or craving?

2. What did your body do (physical signs)?

3. What were you thinking (the psychological signs)?

4. Why should I get drunk or high?

300

Name 3 triggers related to thoughts, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors. 

Boredom, anxiety, anger, built, hopeless, shame, self-pity, loneliness, thinking of using as a reward, using as part of celebrations, lack of motivation, etc. 

300

Identify 3 types of support.

Sponsor, therapist, family, friends, AA/NA, probation/parole, psychiatrist, etc. 

400

Identify 3 coping skills

Any positive healthy coping skills


400

Name 4 of the 8 relapse triggers from the relapse trigger checklist.

1. thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors. 

2. social pressures to use alcohol or other drugs.

3. problems related to your sobriety plan or treatment plan.

4. urges, cravings, temptations, or testing "control"

5. Problems in relationship with other people.

6. triggers related to relapse-oriented or addictive personality traits.

7. triggers related to your physical, emotional, and mental health.

8. miscellaneous other triggers

400

Identify 3 triggers related to physical, emotional and mental health.

chronic physical problems, unhealthy lifestyle, mood swings, history of mental or emotional health problems, history of long-term regular use of alcohol or other drugs, workplace environment that has solvents, inks, dyes, etc. 

400

What are 3 red flags on someone who would not be a positive support in your life?

They are still using, they do not support your recovery, they are negative towards you/your recovery, they are a trigger, etc. 

500

Give an example of 1 of your negative thoughts and turn it into a positive affirmation. 

Example:

"I'm a failure" to "I have made mistakes but can learn and grow from them." 

500

Identify the 4 ways to handle urges and cravings. 

1. Talk with others

2. Redirect your activity

3. Change your thoughts

4. Avoid threatening situations 

500

Identify 1 trigger related to relapse oriented or addictive personality traits, and behaviors and describe 2 things you can do as part of your relapse prevention plan. 

Example:

Trigger: Needing excitement

Relapse prevention:

1. Go skydiving 

2. Set up monthly trips to new places: Six Flags

500

Identify the 5 tips to successfully complete probation/parole. 

1. Be honest.

2. Discuss your problems.

3. Follow your relapse prevention or treatment plan.

4. Follow your supervising agent's directions.

5. Keep all appointments and commitments.

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