Stress Basics
What is stress?
A physical, mental, or emotional response to external or internal pressures.
How can stress contribute to addiction?
Stress can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.
Name one healthy way to cope with stress.
Answer: Examples include exercise, meditation, or journaling.
What is a trigger?
A stimulus that prompts cravings or stress.
What is resilience?
Answer: The ability to recover quickly from challenges or setbacks.
Name one physical symptom of stress.
Examples include headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue.
Name one common trigger for stress in addiction recovery.
Examples include financial problems, relationship conflicts, or work pressure.
What is mindfulness?
Answer: A practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment without judgment.
Name one internal trigger.
Examples include loneliness, anxiety, or fatigue.
Name one way to build resilience in recovery.
Answer: Examples include developing a support system or practicing self-care.
What hormone is released during stress?
Cortisol.
What is the relationship between stress and relapse?
Answer: Stress increases the risk of relapse by triggering cravings or negative emotions.
Name one breathing technique to reduce stress.
Answer: Examples include deep breathing or box breathing.
Name one external trigger.
Answer: Examples include certain people, places, or objects.
What is self-compassion?
Answer: Treating yourself with kindness and understanding during difficult times.
True or False: Stress is always harmful.
False. Stress can be positive (eustress) or negative (distress).
True or False: Stress management is a key component of recovery.
Answer: True.
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
Answer: A technique where you tense and relax muscle groups to reduce stress.
True or False: Triggers are always obvious.
False. Triggers can be subtle or unconscious.
Name one benefit of building resilience in recovery.
Answer: Reduced stress and improved ability to handle triggers.
What is the "fight or flight" response?
A physiological reaction to perceived danger, preparing the body to either confront or flee.
Name two ways stress can affect the brain in addiction.
It can impair decision-making and increase cravings.
Name two benefits of stress management in recovery.
Answer: Improved emotional regulation and reduced risk of relapse.
What is the first step in managing triggers?
Answer: Identifying and understanding them.
What is the role of gratitude in recovery?
Answer: Gratitude can shift focus to positive aspects of life, reducing stress and promoting well-being.