Understanding Triggers
What is a “trigger”?
Something that causes a craving, emotion, or urge to use.
What is a coping skill?
A healthy strategy used to manage stress, emotions, or cravings.
What emotion often comes before anger?
Hurt, fear, stress, or frustration.
What is relapse prevention?
A plan to help maintain sobriety and avoid returning to substance use.
Name one element of a healthy daily routine.
Examples include consistent sleep, meals, medication, or exercise.
Name one internal trigger.
Examples include emotions, thoughts, stress, pain, or boredom.
Name one healthy coping skill used when feeling overwhelmed.
Examples include deep breathing, walking, calling someone, grounding.
What is one physical sign that anger is rising?
Examples include tight muscles, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shaking.
What does “urge surfing” mean?
Riding out a craving like a wave until it peaks and fades.
Why is structure helpful in recovery?
It reduces idle time, lowering the chance of cravings and impulsive use.
Name one external trigger.
Examples include people, places, things, smells, or events.
What do the “3 D’s” stand for?
Delay, Distract, Deep Breathing.
Name one early warning sign you're becoming angry.
Examples include clenching fists, raised voice, or negative self-talk.
Why is social support important in relapse prevention?
It offers accountability and help during cravings.
How does regular physical activity support recovery?
It reduces stress, improves mood, and helps decrease cravings.
Why is identifying personal triggers important?
Because awareness helps you prevent relapse by preparing early responses.
How can journaling support recovery?
It organizes thoughts and emotions, lowering stress and cravings.
Why is anger considered a relapse risk?
Because intense anger can lead to impulsive decisions or returning to old coping habits.
What is the purpose of a relapse prevention plan?
To identify triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies ahead of time.
How do consistent appointments support recovery?
They maintain accountability and ensure ongoing physical/mental health support.
What is the difference between a trigger and a high-risk situation?
A trigger sparks cravings or emotions; a high-risk situation increases overall relapse likelihood.
Name two coping skills specifically for managing cravings.
Examples include grounding, urge surfing, physical activity, calling support.
What is the difference between a reaction and a response?
A reaction is immediate/emotional; a response is calm and intentional.
How can “testing personal control” lead to relapse?
It leads to the belief that controlled or occasional use is safe, weakening recovery.
How does building new habits help break the addiction cycle?
New behaviors replace old patterns and decrease relapse risk.