Stages of Change
Someone says, “I don’t have a problem. Everyone drinks like this.”
What is Precontemplation?
“I can’t handle discomfort without using.”
What is a cognitive distortion (all-or-nothing thinking)?
Anything that increases the urge to use substances.
What are triggers?
Skills used to get through intense emotions without using.
What are coping or distress tolerance skills?
You see me once in June, twice in November, and not at all in May. What am I?
What is the letter “e”?
Client actively attending treatment and practicing skills.
What is Action?
“Everyone will judge me if I relapse.”
What is mind-reading?
Avoiding triggers without coping skills increases this risk.
What is relapse?
Using temperature change or exercise during cravings targets this system.
What is the nervous system?
This TV show features a fictional paper company called Dunder Mifflin.
What is The Office?
Client has been sober and working to prevent relapse long-term.
What is Maintenance?
Which part of the CBT triangle is usually easiest to change first?
What are actions?
Cravings usually peak and fall within this amount of time.
What is 20–30 minutes?
Accepting reality without approving of it.
What is radical acceptance?
These sea creatures have three hearts and blue blood.
What are octopuses?
Client admits substance use is causing problems but isn’t ready to stop.
What is Contemplation?
Replacing “I can’t do this” with “This is uncomfortable but temporary” changes this corner.
What are thoughts?
This technique involves riding out urges without acting on them.
What is urge surfing?
Using ice or cold water during a craving is an example of this skill.
What is a TIPP skill (temperature)?
This river is the longest in the world.
What is the Nile River?
Client is making a plan to cut down or enter treatment.
What is Preparation?
CBT stands for this
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cravings often intensify when this basic need is unmet.
What is sleep?
This long-term skill helps reduce reliance on crisis coping.
What is emotional regulation?
This evidence-based therapy teaches clients to identify and change thoughts that lead to substance use.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?