budgeting skills
Name two ways that money can be a trigger for relapse.
1. Having more disposable income than before can prompt people to want to buy and use substances.
2. Not having enough money can cause people to experience stress, which can increase the impact of triggers and cravings.
What are the benefits of keeping your space tidy and clean?
answers include but are not limited to decreased stress, easier time locating needed items, decreases transmission of disease, etc
What are some important parts of a balanced diet?
grains, vegetables, fruits, protein
What could you do if you need to get somewhere you've never been before?
Look up routes by public transit or walking, study connecting buses/trains, set aside money for the fare, contact your outpatient team for a ride, contact programs for getting a free ride to doctor's appointments
What does dopamine do in your brain?
Mediates pleasure, good feelings, memory and learning, and movement
What are the major expenses to consider when making a budget?
groceries, rent, utilities, personal care, medical expenses, entertainment and leisure
Name one chore that needs to be done every day.
dishes after eating, trash when it's full, clothes in one place, make the bed, five-minute pickup.
Identify one meal you enjoy and that you already know how to make well.
Up to you!
Why is it important to open your mail promptly?
Information about your benefits programs are in there! If not opened on time, you can lose your benefits.
What is a neural pathway?
A connection in your brain between two more associate things
How can you be smart with your money regarding your prescription medications?
Make sure that you keep your Medi-Cal coverage up to date by responding to renewal letters. Make sure you request your medications on time, so you don't go without them. Ask for a generic version of the medication. Ask your case manager about discount programs for medication.
laundry, groceries, more thorough cleaning of kitchen, more thorough cleaning of bathroom, etc
What are some affordable foods you can include in your meal plan?
oats, canned meats and veggies, beans, rice, bananas, frozen veggies, eggs
What role does sleep play in recovery?
Lack of sleep can be a trigger for cravings. Regular, healthy sleeping patterns promote long term recovery after the body becomes accustomed to using.
Name one part of your brain involved in neural pathways related to drug use.
Thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, dopamine
What is the most common day for relapse?
Name one important step to cleaning the bathroom
sink and counter, mirror, toilet, tub/shower, floor
If you're short on money to cover your grocery needs, what programs exist to help?
many mutual aid organizations provide free meals, food banks, EBT
What are important steps in creating a resume?
Include contact information, a short summary of who you are, your experience or skills, and your education or training.
Name at least one part of a neural pathway that keeps your stuck in the loop of using and relapsing.
triggers --> craving --> using --> temporary relief/good feeling --> consequences of using --> shame, guilt or perpetuation of negative feelings that lead to using --> more triggers and the cycle repeats
What coping skills can you use to take care of yourself when you have too much or too little disposable income?
call your sponsor, spend time with your social network, use deep breathing and grounding techniques, engage in a creative outlet or hobby, journal, etc
Name one important step to cleaning the kitchen.
clearing and wiping counters, washing and putting away dishes, wiping the stove and microwave, sweeping and mopping the floor, wiping down dining tables and chairs, taking out the trash
Name one way to maintain food safety.
wash your hands, wash your produce, keep raw meat away from other foods, cook meat all the way, don't leave food out for more than two hours, leftovers keep in the fridge for about three to four days.
Social support in sobriety is important! How can you develop a support system?
Meet people in sobriety programs like NA and AA, get involved in sober activities in your area
How can you get out of the cycle of using and relapsing
Develop coping skills to manage triggers and cravings, and work through underlying beliefs and patterns that promote substance use as a temporary coping mechanism.