Coping Skills
Name three coping skills.
(Example Answers):
-Music.
-Thrifting.
-Drawing.
-Writing.
-Running.
-Singing.
-Soccer.
What is a refusal skill?
(Example Answers):
Refusal skills are strategies for dealing with peer pressure.
Refusal skills are different ways of saying "no."
Refusal skills are different ways to get out of situations.
What are boundaries?
(Example Answers):
Boundaries are limits we identify for ourselves and apply through action and/or communication.
Boundaries are rules we put in place for ourselves and others.
Boundaries are concepts that give you the space physically and mentally to provide self-care and safety to your physical and mental health.
What is a trigger?
(Example Answer):
A trigger is an emotional, environmental or social situation that drags up memories of drug or alcohol use in the past. These memories can stir up strong emotions that lead to the impulse to use a substance again. Triggers do not necessarily lead to relapse, but they do make it harder to resist the sudden cravings they produce.
Can your values change over time? Explain.
(Example Answers):
Yes, because new experiences may change my perception and perspective.
Yes, because people change and evolve and so can their values and beliefs.
What types of substances and/or drugs might have fentanyl in them? Name two.
(Example Answers):
-Cocaine.
-Meth.
-Opioids.
-Ketamine.
-Heroin.
-Molly.
-Ecstasy.
-Vapes.
What is a coping skill?
(Example Answers):
Tactics/Strategies/Hobbies/Distractions that people use to deal with stress, boredom, trauma, cravings, triggers, withdrawals, etc.
Coping skills are tools that help us effectively manage emotions, stress, and difficult times.
Why are refusal skills important?
(Example Answers):
So I can live by my values.
So I don't succumb to peer pressure.
So I can better advocate for myself.
Name a boundary that you struggle to set and maintain.
(Example Answers):
Asking people not to smoke around me because it triggers me.
Telling my boyfriend that I don't like PDA.
Asking my girlfriend not to go through my phone.
Name three different types of triggers.
(Example Answers):
-Smelling it.
-Seeing it on TV.
-Seeing my friends do it on social media.
-People smoking around me.
-Seeing it in the store.
-People talking about using it.
What are values?
(Example Answers):
Your life values are those that, once you identify them, help you with decision-making and provide the building blocks for your character — specifically the one you want to have.
Your values are the beliefs and principles that you believe are important in the way that you live and work.
They (should) determine your priorities, and guide your decisions and the way you act towards others.
True or False:
Most kids smoke. Explain.
(Example Answers):
The answer should be no. But debate it out!
Why are coping skills important?
(Example Answers):
They enable us to adapt and maintain our well being when faced with adversity.
They help us get through hard times.
They help us deal with cravings, triggers, emotions, stress, etc.
Name four refusal skills.
(Example Answers):
Make a joke.
Give a reason why it's a bad idea.
Make an excuse as to why you can't.
Just say no, plainly and firmly.
Suggest an alternative activity.
Ignore the suggestion.
Repeat yourself if necessary.
Leave the situation.
Thanks, but no thanks.
The power of numbers.
Name three different types of boundaries.
(Example Answers):
Financial.
Material.
Digital.
Intellectual.
Sexual.
Emotional.
Time.
Physical.
Why is it important to know what your triggers are?
(Example Answers):
So I can avoid them.
So I can prepare myself with extra coping skills if I know I am going to be around my triggers.
So I can work on not letting them trigger me so much.
Name three of your top values. Why are they important to you?
(Example Answers):
Family, because family is everything and we take care of each other.
Solitude, because I need time and space to recharge my battery.
Adventure, because you only live once and I want to have fun while I'm here.
True or False:
Vapes are safer than Cigarettes. Explain.
Correct Answer: False.
Debate it out!
How many coping skills do you currently have?
(Example Answers):
Three: Basketball, music, and talking with friends.
Four: Dancing, singing, thrifting, making my own clothes.
Name a time you used a refusal skill. Which skill did you use?
(Example Answers):
Jenny offered me her vape in the bathroom. I told her that "I can't right now I have a quiz in my next class. Even though we did not have a quiz."
Oliver told me in front of everyone that if I "don't hit the vape, I am a loser. I just shrugged my shoulders and walked away."
Name this boundary type:
"My friend always asks me for money. When I say no, he finds a way to take it from me. I try and set the boundary and he just doesn't care."
Correct Answer:
-Financial
Name a way that you have learned to help reduce the effects of your triggers.
(Example Answers):
I have asked my dad that "if he is going to drink at home, can he keep it in his bedroom so that I don't see him drinking it."
I have asked my friends not to smoke around me.
I don't look at SnapChat in class anymore to make sure I don't see a post of my friends using.
True or False:
Everyone has values. Explain.
(Example Answers):
All answers acceptable. But debate it out!
True or False:
If your parents, grandparents, and/or aunts and uncles have a history of substance misuse issues, then you are more likely to as well. Why? Explain.
Correct Answer: True.
Debate it out!
Name a new coping skill that you have explored since entering treatment.
(Example Answers):
Painting, making music, thrifting, rock hunting, sports, photography, etc.
Outside of substances, where else do you use refusal skills?
(Example Answers):
In my romantic relationship.
At work when they try to make me work outside of my job description.
With my friends, I'm getting better at saying "no" when I have things I need to get done for myself first.
Name a boundary you are currently working at setting and maintaining better. Explain how it has been going.
(Example Answers):
Financial.
Material.
Digital.
Intellectual.
Sexual.
Emotional.
Time.
Physical.
What is your biggest trigger to use. Why do you think that is?
(Example Answers):
People smoking in front of me. "Because, it's right there and I know I want it."
My dad drinking at home. Because he gets angry, which stresses me out, so I want to drink to cope.
My friends posting on SnapChat. "Because, then it's like, why I am here in class, this is boring, I could be skipping right now getting high with them. They are having fun."
Name three values that are least important to you. Explain.
(Example Answers):
Honesty, because most people are not honest about a bunch of things in their lives anyways. So why should I be?
Respect, I don't care if I have anyone's respect, I'm going to do me.
Thrift, if I want it, I am going to get it, no matter the cost, and if I can't afford it, I'll take it.
True or False:
If you use substance as a youth, you are more likely to have substance misuse issues in adulthood? Explain.
Debate it out.