Triggers & Cravings
This is a person, place, feeling, or situation that increases the desire to use substances.
What is a trigger?
This simple breathing technique can help calm your body during stress.
What is deep breathing?
This thinking trap views situations as either completely good or completely bad.
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
These are personal limits that protect your safety, values, and recovery.
What are boundaries?
This is a written or mental guide for identifying goals and steps toward a healthier future.
What is a Recovery Roadmap?
This is a strong desire or urge to use drugs or alcohol.
What is a craving?
Walking, stretching, and exercising are examples of this type of healthy coping.
What is physical activity?
Assuming you know what another person thinks without evidence is this thinking trap.
What is mind reading?
This is a person who encourages healthy decisions and respects your recovery.
What is a healthy support person?
These are early changes in thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that may signal increased relapse risk.
What are warning signs?
Running into an old using friend is an example of this type of trigger.
What is an external trigger?
This practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
What is mindfulness?
Expecting the worst possible outcome is this thinking trap.
What is catastrophizing?
This behavior occurs when someone repeatedly protects another person from the consequences of harmful choices.
What is enabling?
Getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and exercising are examples of these.
What are healthy daily habits?
This strategy involves staying away from people, places, or situations that threaten recovery.
What is avoiding high-risk situations?
Name two healthy ways to manage anger without using substances.
What are taking a break, deep breathing, exercising, journaling, or talking to someone?
Saying 'I failed once, so I will always fail' is an example of this thinking trap.
What is overgeneralizing?
A friend pressures you to use substances. Name an assertive response.
What is 'No, I'm not using. Please respect my decision'?
This means recognizing your choices, taking responsibility, and making changes without blaming others.
What is personal accountability?
Name two actions someone can take when experiencing a strong craving.
What are calling a support person, using a coping skill, leaving the situation, or attending a recovery meeting?
Someone has a stressful day and wants to use. Name three healthy coping strategies they could use instead.
What are contacting support, changing environments, practicing relaxation, exercising, journaling, or attending a meeting?
Replace this thinking trap with a healthier thought: 'I made a mistake, so my recovery is ruined.'
What is 'One mistake does not erase my progress; I can take responsibility and make a healthier choice'?
A family member repeatedly violates your boundaries. Name two healthy ways to respond.
What are clearly restating the boundary, following through with consequences, limiting contact, or seeking support?
Name three components of a strong relapse-prevention plan.
What are identifying triggers, recognizing warning signs, using coping skills, establishing support, and having an emergency action plan?