Triggers/Cravings
Seeing drug paraphernalia, Job loss, Holidays, Advertisements, Media, seeing people or places associated with past use.
External Triggers
Optimistic/Expectant
Hopeful
Base emotion-Trusting (Security)
Maintaining a balanced diet
Healthy Eating
HALT
ASK YOURSELF-are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired?
Acute
Happens almost immediately after use has stopped
Strong urges to use substance
Cravings
Suspicious/Apprehensive
Insecure
Base Emotion-Afraid (Threatened)
Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins improving focus and mood
Regular Exercise
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness:
Gratitude
Post-Acute
Can last up to two years after initial date of last used.
Anything that brings up thoughts, memories, or feelings that remind you of past substance use
Resentful/Irritated
Annoyed
Base emotion- ANGRY (Judgement)
Daily Structure
Routine-can prevent falling back into old habits
P.L.E.A.S.E skill
Treat Physical Illness, Balanced Eating, Avoid Mood Altering Substances, Balanced Sleep, Get Exercise
Peak Intensity
3-6 months after abstinence.
Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Hunger, low self-esteem, sexual arousal, memories, depression, loneliness
Internal Triggers
Enthusiastic/Passionate
Excited
Base emotion-Joyful (Gain)
Staying present
Mindfulness/Meditation-helps avoiding relapse by staying aware and in the moment.
T.I.P.P
Temperature-Intense Exercise
Paced Breathing-Paired Muscle Relaxation
Patterns of PAWS
Regenerative, Degenerative,
Stable and Intermittent
Intense desires for addictive substances or behaviors.
Cravings
Remorseful/Regretful
Guilty
Base emotion-Ashamed (self-judgement)
Meaningful relationships and connections with others.
Staying connected- AA/NA, Church, sober support.
5-4-3-2-1
Grounding exercise-5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste
Symptoms of PAWS
Emotional overactions, Sleep disturbances, Stress sensitivity, Physical coordination problems, Memory problems, irritability, numbness