Triggers and Cravings
This is something that causes the urge to use.
What is a trigger
This is what relapse prevention teaches you to recognize before using happens.
What are triggers and warning signs
This is the act of prioritizing recovery needs over maintaining harmful relationships.
What is boundary setting
This drug is often prescribed for pain but has a high risk for dependence and overdose.
What are opioids
This is a consequence that often follows high-risk behaviors in addiction.
What is legal problems
This coping skill involves focusing on the present moment to get through a craving
What is grounding
This is the final stage of relapse.
What is physical relapse
This is the term for when someone makes excuses for another person’s harmful behavior, especially substance use.
What is enabling
This is the classification for drugs that increase energy and alertness
What are stimulants
This is the term for behavior that prioritizes immediate reward over long-term consequences
What is impulsivity
This stage of relapse can begin when someone ignores triggers and stops coping.
What is emotional relapse
This is the best indicator that relapse may be developing even before thoughts of using begin.
What is emotional changes
This is a relationship pattern where one person controls, pressures, or undermines another’s recovery.
What is a toxic relationship
This is the main reason overdose risk increases after a period of abstinence
What is reduced tolerance
This is the psychological state where substance use reduces a person’s ability to weigh risks before acting.
What is impaired judgment
This type of trigger comes from inside you, like stress or anger
What is an internal trigger
This is the biggest protective factor against relapse
What is support system / accountability / connection with others
This is what often keeps people stuck in unhealthy relationships during recovery.
What is fear, guilt, or dependency
This is the classification for drugs that slow breathing and brain activity.
What are depressants
This term describes when a person continues harmful behaviors even after experiencing negative consequences.
What is compulsive behavior
This is the best first step when you are triggered.
What is pause (or “recognize it”
This is the pattern relapse follows when it is not interrupted early.
What is emotional → mental → physical relapse
This is what must happen in relationships when recovery becomes the priority.
What is boundaries or relationship changes must occur
This is the condition where the brain adapts to repeated drug use and functions differently without it.
What is physical dependence
This is the overall effect of substances on thinking, memory, and decision-making that leads to risky behaviors
What is cognitive impairment