Triggers
This acronym warns you not to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
What is H.A.L.T.?
Cravings are a physical and mental "strong desire" to use, but they typically only last this many seconds or minutes.
What is 30 to 90 seconds (or "a few minutes")?
This legal substance is found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks and can cause jitters or sleep issues if used too much.
What is caffeine?
Alcohol affects this organ the most, potentially leading to cirrhosis or failure.
What is the Liver?
This simple technique involves focusing on the breath or staying present to reduce stress and prevent relapse.
What is mindfulness (or deep breathing)?
Emotions like stress, anxiety, or boredom that arise from within a person.
What are internal triggers?
This is the common word used to describe the strong, "wanting" feeling or urge to use a substance.
What is a craving?
These types of drugs are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy but are often misused for their "upper" effects.
What are stimulants?
These are the physical symptoms, such as tremors and sweating, that occur when a person stops using a substance.
What is withdrawal?
This person in a 12-step program provides guidance, shares their experience, and helps you work through the steps.
Who is a sponsor?
People, places, or things in the outside world—like an old "drinking buddy" or a familiar bar—that remind you of past use.
What are external triggers?
True or False: Cravings are permanent and will never go away once they start.
What is False? (They are like waves—they peak and then fade).
These are "over-the-counter" or prescription pills used to relieve pain, but they can be highly addictive if not taken as directed.
What are painkillers (or opioids)?
Overuse of pain killers or opiates can lead to this life-threatening condition where breathing slows or stops.
What is respiratory failure?
A common psychological strategy used to identify and change negative thought patterns.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
This common state of having "nothing to do" is a frequent trigger for those in early recovery.
What is boredom?
This simple "D-word" activity involves doing something else—like watching TV or going for a walk—to take your mind off a craving.
What is Distraction?
When a person needs more of a substance to achieve the same effect they once got from a smaller dose.
What is tolerance?
This neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the "reward" or "high" felt in the brain when using drugs.
What is dopamine?
This technique involves visualizing a "switch" turning off a negative thought and replacing it with a safe, relaxing place.
What is thought stopping?
These types of events, though positive, can be triggers because they are often traditionally associated with drinking or drug use.
What are celebratory occasions (or holidays/birthdays)?
When a craving hits, you can call this person, such as a friend, family member, or sponsor, to talk through it.
What is a Support Person?
This is a common nickname for a substance that is not the "main" drug of choice but often leads a person back to using their primary substance.
What is a gateway drug?
Long-term use of stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine can lead to damage to this vital organ, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
What is the heart?
This 12-step principle is described by the acronym H.O.W..
What are Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness?