That's a Trigger
You used to smoke every time you hung with a certain friend. Being around them makes you want to use again.
👉 What is a trigger? (Social trigger)
This brain chemical makes you feel good and is heavily involved in addiction.
👉 What is dopamine?
Instead of using, you call someone you trust.
👉 What is a coping skill?
Your friend says “just hit it one time, it’s not a big deal.”
👉 What is refusing/assertive communication?
Thinking about using but not doing it.
👉 What is NOT a relapse?
You feel stressed, angry, and overwhelmed, and suddenly want to use.
👉 What is an emotional trigger?
Your brain starts needing more of a substance to feel the same effect.
👉 What is tolerance?
Going to the gym, walking, or playing basketball instead of using.
👉 What is physical coping?
You’re at a party and everyone is using.
👉 What is leaving the situation?
Using once after being clean for a while.
👉 What is a lapse?
Seeing someone post drugs or alcohol on social media makes you crave it.
👉 What is a visual trigger?
When your brain/body reacts badly after stopping a substance.
👉 What is withdrawal?
Writing down your thoughts instead of acting on them.
👉 What is journaling?
You’re stressed after a bad day and want to use.
👉 What is using a coping skill?
Going back to regular use patterns.
👉 What is a relapse?
You pass a place where you used to get high and feel urges.
👉 What is an environmental trigger?
This part of the brain helps with decision-making—but gets weaker with substance use.
👉 What is the prefrontal cortex?
Listening to music, drawing, or creating something.
👉 What is a creative coping skill?
Someone offers you pills and says “they’re safe.”
👉 What is recognizing risk/unknown substances?
Stopping use again after a slip.
👉 What is getting back into recovery?
You’re bored and feel like using “just to do something.”
👉 What is boredom as a trigger?
Your brain remembers the “good feeling” and pushes you to use again.
👉 What is craving/reward memory?
Removing yourself from a situation where drugs are present.
👉 What is avoiding triggers?
Your close friend relapses and wants you to join.
👉 What is setting boundaries?
Believing “I already messed up, might as well keep going.”
👉 What is relapse thinking?