Triggers
What is a trigger?
Any situation that makes you feel like using.
What is a craving?
Intense desire to consume.
What is a coping skill?
Strategies and techniques used to manage and deal with stressful or challenging situations.
What is the first thing you should do when you recognize a trigger?
Pause and breathe.
True or False: Everyone has triggers, even in advanced recovery.
True
What is a common emotional trigger?
Stress; Sadness; Anger; Anxiety.
Finish the sentence: Cravings usually increase, but always...
What is a technique you can use to distract yourself during the 10-20 minutes a craving peaks?
Deep breathing; Take a cold shower; Write down the feeling; Walk
What is one way you can change your surroundings?
Avoid certain places or people.
True or False: If you have a craving, it means you're going to relapse.
False
What is a common external trigger?
Seeing someone using; Being in an environment you associate substance use with; Music
What is a physical sign that may indicate a craving?
Sweating; Restlessness; Tension; Racing heart
What coping skills can you practice in the treatment center when you have a craving?
Talking to your counselor; Talking to the nurses
What are early signs of mental relapse?
Thinking about using "only once"; To stop going to support groups.
True or False: Identifying a trigger early can stop a craving before it grows.
True
How can people, places and things trigger cravings?
Peer pressure; Reminds you of use in the past.
How can someone get support when they experience cravings?
Take craving medication if prescribed; Call sponsor or peer support
Give an example of an unhealthy coping skill.
Using substances; Isolating yourself; Self-harm
What action should you take when you feel a growing craving?
Change activities or locations immediately.
True or False: Emotional triggers are less dangerous than external ones.
False, both are dangerous!
Why is it important to identify your triggers immediately when they appear?
So you can apply coping skills before losing control; Take action.
Explain the difference between automatic craving vs. provoked craving.
Automatic cravings appear without warning and provoked cravings arise from an identified trigger.
Explain why practicing coping skills outside of a crisis is essential.
The brain needs prior training to respond well under pressure - the more you practice, the easier it is to implement.
The plan can guide you step by step to stay safe and avoid acting impulsively.
True or False: An ignored craving gets smaller.
False, it needs to be addressed, not ignored.