Recovery Basics
What is the first step in a 12-step program?
Admitting that we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Name one healthy way to cope with stress.
Deep breathing, journaling, exercising, or talking to a supportive person.
What is a trigger?
A person, place, emotion, or situation that can lead to cravings or relapse.
What is self-awareness?
The ability to recognize your own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Why is having a budget important in recovery?
It helps manage money, reduce stress, and avoid financial triggers.
What does the acronym “HALT” stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What type of therapy focuses on changing thoughts to change behavior?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What is a common emotional relapse sign?
Isolating from others or bottling up emotions.
Name one core value that can support recovery.
Honesty, integrity, accountability, or self-respect...
What is one benefit of having a job or volunteering in recovery?
Builds self-esteem, purpose, and structure.
What is a sponsor in recovery?
A person who has been in recovery and supports someone newer in the process, often guiding them through the 12 steps.
What is “urge surfing”?
A mindfulness technique used to ride out cravings without giving in to them.
Name a high-risk situation for relapse.
Being around people who are using, boredom, or attending a party with alcohol.
What is emotional regulation?
The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy way.
What does “sober support” mean?
People in your life who support your recovery and do not encourage substance use.
What does “dry drunk” refer to?
A person who is sober but still engaging in unhealthy or negative thinking and behavior.
Why is it important to develop a daily routine in recovery?
It builds structure, stability, and reduces idle time that can lead to relapse.
What EFFECT might you feel after a relapse?
Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE)
What is the difference between guilt and shame?
Guilt is feeling bad about something you did; shame is feeling bad about who you are.
The "Healthy" communication style
Assertive Communication
What is “recovery capital”?
The internal and external resources that can help a person sustain recovery, such as housing, employment, and social support.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?
Identify 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
Or
Grounding technique
Give me the Elements of a Relapse Prevention Plan
Hight risk situations (Triggers/Relapse Warning signs)
leisure activities/Distractors (Coping Skills)
SMART Goals (Recovery Goals)
Support Network (Emergency Contacts)
Recall Consequences
Which step involves taking a fearless moral inventory of yourself.
Step 4
What is the purpose of setting SMART goals in recovery?
To create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.