Cravings
This approach—using none at all—is the surest way to reduce cravings over time.
What is complete abstinence?
“In treatment, a trigger is any internal or external cue that prompts this kind of response.”
What is an emotional or behavioral reaction (or urge)?
“When you begin to see yourself as capable of change instead of defining yourself by past mistakes, you’re breaking free from this negative mindset.”
What is shame or self-stigma?
Boundaries are guidelines we set to protect this.
What is our well-being (physical/emotional/mental health)?
“Emotional wellness means being able to manage your feelings in healthy ways and adapt when faced with this.”
Relying on this alone is a poor long-term defense against cravings without lifestyle change.
What is willpower (or determination)?
Name one internal trigger and one external trigger.
What are a thought/feeling, negative self talk, intrusive thoughts (internal) and a person/place/thing/situation (external)?
This model helps explain substance use and mental illness as health conditions, not moral failings.
What is the disease model or addiction?
True or False: Boundaries are punishments for others.
What is False?
Getting enough of this basic need each night improves focus, mood, and physical health.
What is sleep?
Research shows the intensity of an average craving usually does this if you wait a few minutes.
What is decreases/subsides (it passes)?
“When you recognize a potential trigger and take proactive steps to manage your exposure or response before it escalates, you’re practicing this therapeutic coping skill.”
What is trigger management or proactive coping (relapse prevention plan, prevention, Harm reduction)?
“What is one healthy action you can take to strengthen self-acceptance and protect yourself from the negative effects of stigma?”
What is practicing self-care, attending therapy, seeking peer support, or setting positive personal goals? (Any one is correct.)
Give one boundary for avoiding enabling people and one for protecting self-care time.
What is stepping back/limiting contact AND reserving a daily hour for self-care and informing others?
When you notice warning signs of “trouble ahead” and follow a personal plan with do’s and don’ts for managing emotional storms, you’re using this strategy.
What is an Emotional Self-Care Plan (or Wellness plan/Relapse prevention plan)?
“When a craving hits, using thoughts like ‘I remember how awful I felt the last time I used’ to remind yourself of the consequences is called this coping technique.”
What is ‘playing the tape through’ (or consequential thinking)?
“When you experience a trigger and choose to pause, breathe, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, you’re practicing this important recovery skill.”
What is mindfulness or self-regulating (grounding)?
“When you challenge negative labels and remind yourself that recovery is a process, not a single event, you’re practicing this important mindset.”
What is self-compassion or reframing negative beliefs?
“When someone continues a conversation or behavior that makes you uncomfortable, calmly expressing your limits with respect and clarity is an example of this communication skill.”
What is assertive communication?
Practicing gratitude, forgiveness, and focusing on meaning and purpose all help to strengthen this inner quality that allows you to bounce back after difficulties.
What is resilience?
“When a craving feels overwhelming, using support systems, coping skills, and reflection to avoid acting on impulse demonstrates this essential recovery principle.”
What is practicing self-control (Impulse management or impulse control)?
“When you recognize a recurring trigger and work to understand the thoughts and emotions beneath it so you can respond differently in the future, you’re using this advanced recovery skill.”
“When you speak up about recovery, share your experiences to inspire others, or stand against negative stereotypes, you’re practicing this powerful act of change.”
What is advocacy?
“When you communicate your needs and limits so that others understand how to interact with you respectfully, you’re setting this important foundation for healthy relationships.”
What are clear expectations or Healthy Boundaries?
“When you apply the care and insight you’ve gained in your own recovery to support, encourage, and show understanding toward others, you’re demonstrating this advanced form of emotional wellness.”