Trigger traps
Name one INTERNAL trigger.
Feelings, thoughts, memories, boredom
each group member must name one sign of a healthy relationship
Trust, honesty, respect, communication, boundaries, consistency, safety, etc.
each member name one basic need people in recovery often ignore.
Sleep, food, hydration, routine, hygiene, movement
Each group member must name 1 coping skill.
Any healthy coping skill (walking, breathing, journaling, music, grounding, calling someone, stretching)
Name one thing recovery has already taken away from you.
No right or wrong answer.
Name one EXTERNAL trigger.
People, places, money, celebrations
Show a short role-play of saying “no” assertively.
:)
Why does lack of sleep increase relapse risk?
Sleep affects mood regulation, impulse control, stress tolerance, and decision-making
Name a coping skill you can use anywhere, without anyone knowing.
breathing, grounding, affirmations, muscle relaxation, counting, visualization
Name 3 things recovery has already given you (or can give you).
clarity, trust, health, stability, self-respect (all valid)
What’s the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger is something that activates a response; a craving is the urge to use that comes AFTER the trigger
Name one relationship behavior that increases relapse risk.
people-pleasing, secrecy, conflict avoidance, toxic partners, lack of boundaries, etc.
Name a form of self-care that helps emotionally, not just physically.
journaling, therapy, connection, creativity, mindfulness
Why do coping skills often feel “dumb” or ineffective at first?
They feel “dumb” because the brain is used to instant gratification from substances; skills take practice and don’t give instant dopamine
Name 4 emotions you’re learning to tolerate without using?
boredom, sadness, anger, anxiety, loneliness, grief
Create a 1-sentence chant or slogan for your team about overcoming triggers.
:)
What’s the difference between support and control?
Support = encouragement + respect for autonomy
Control = pressure, guilt, threats, monitoring
What’s one self-care habit that doesn’t feel good immediately but helps long term?
Delayed-benefit habits = routines, therapy, boundaries, sleep schedules, exercise, honest conversations
Name a coping skill that helps when emotions feel too INTENSE, not just uncomfortable.
cold water/ice, paced breathing, intense exercise, grounding with senses
What’s something people outside recovery don’t understand?
“just stop,” stigma, underestimating cravings, minimizing mental health
Name 5 early warning sign that you might be heading toward relapse.
isolating, romanticizing use, irritability, skipping routines, lying, justifying, increased stress, not reaching out
Name one boundary that might feel uncomfortable but protects sobriety.
no contact with using friends, saying no to late-night calls, honesty about recovery needs
Why isn’t self-care the same as avoidance?
Self-care makes things better. Avoidance makes them wait.
Yoga: Choose one group member to balance on one foot for 15 seconds
:)
What does DBT's DEAR MAN stand for?
Describe facts, Express feelings, Assert needs, Reinforce benefits, stay Mindful, Appear confident, and Negotiate