Recognize
This type of thinking sees things as all good or all bad, with no middle ground.
What is black-and-white thinking?
This part of the brain is responsible for impulse control and decision-making and is healing during recovery
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Shame says “I am bad,” while this says “I made a mistake.
What is guilt?
Turning “I’ll never change” into “Change takes time, and I’m working on it” is called this skill.
What is reframing?
This word describes believing you are capable of change and growth.
What is hope?
When someone assumes they know what others are thinking about them.
What is mind reading?
Negative self-talk activates this stress response system in the body.
What is fight-or-flight?
True or False: Self-compassion means letting yourself “off the hook” and avoiding accountability.
What is False?
A short, positive statement repeated to challenge negative thoughts.
What is an affirmation?
Instead of “I am an addict,” a recovery-centered identity statement might be this.
What is “I am a woman in recovery”?
This distortion turns one mistake into “I always mess everything up.”
What is overgeneralization?
Repeated thoughts strengthen these pathways in the brain.
What are neural pathways?
This practice involves speaking to yourself the way you would speak to a close friend.
What is self-compassion?
When a woman replaces “I’m weak” with “I’m learning new coping skills,” she is practicing this.
What is cognitive restructuring?
This concept refers to the belief in your ability to succeed in specific situations.
What is self-efficacy?
When a woman in recovery says, “I relapsed, so I’m a failure,” this is an example of this thinking pattern.
What is labeling?
This brain ability allows new, healthier self-talk patterns to form.
What is neuroplasticity?
True or False: Shame helps people stay sober long term.
What is False?
Name one grounding technique that can interrupt negative self-talk
What is deep breathing?
Name one strength that recovery often builds.
resilience, courage, accountability, empathy, perseverance.