Healthy Relationships
Trust, honesty, respect, communication, support.
What is one important quality of a healthy relationship?
Exercise, deep breathing, talking to someone, going for a walk, listening to music.
What is one healthy coping skill you can use when you feel stressed?
This common addiction lie tells someone they can control their use even after many failed attempts.
What is “I can stop anytime I want.”
Ignoring meetings, therapy, or support groups is an early warning sign of relapse.
What is “Avoiding recovery support.”
Seeing your old drug or alcohol paraphernalia can spark this type of trigger.
What is “Environmental or visual trigger.”
Clearly communicating what you are and are not willing to accept.
What does it mean to set a boundary in a relationship?
Deep breathing (or breathing exercises).
What coping skill involves taking slow, deep breaths to calm your body and mind?
This lie convinces someone that using one time won’t lead to a full relapse.
What is “Just one more time won’t hurt.”
Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious without knowing why can signal a relapse is approaching.
What is “Emotional instability” or “mood swings.”
Feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed can often lead to cravings if not managed.
What is “Emotional trigger.”
Manipulation, lying, disrespect, controlling behavior, constant conflict.
What is one warning sign of an unhealthy or toxic relationship?
Calling a sponsor, talking to a friend, therapist, or support person.
What coping skill involves reaching out to someone for support when you're struggling?
This addiction lie blames others instead of taking responsibility for substance use.
What is “If they didn’t stress me out, I wouldn’t use.”
Thinking “I deserve this” or “Just one won’t hurt” is a dangerous mental pattern that can lead back to use.
What is “Rationalizing or minimizing use.”
Being around friends or places where you used in the past can push you toward using again.
What is “People/places trigger” or “social trigger.”
Builds trust, prevents secrecy, encourages accountability.
Why is honesty important in recovery relationships?
Staying busy or creating structure/routine.
What coping strategy involves keeping yourself active with positive activities to avoid boredom and triggers?
This lie minimizes the seriousness of addiction by comparing oneself to others.
What is “At least I’m not as bad as that guy.”
This physical or mental state can appear when cravings are ignored or triggers are avoided instead of dealt with.
What is “Intense cravings or obsessive thinking about use.”
This type of trigger comes from thoughts like “Just one won’t hurt” or “I can control it now.”
What is “Cognitive or mental trigger.”
They help support sobriety and reduce relapse risk.
Why is it important to surround yourself with sober and supportive people in recovery?
“Riding the wave” or urge surfing.
What coping skill involves recognizing cravings and letting them pass instead of acting on them?
This dangerous lie tells someone they no longer need meetings, treatment, or support once they start feeling better.
What is “I’ve got this now. I don’t need help anymore.”
Returning to old places, people, or habits linked to past use is a classic relapse warning.
What is “Exposure to triggers.”
Physical discomfort, fatigue, or illness can increase vulnerability to relapse if not addressed.
What is “Physical trigger.”