Relapse Prevention
feelings, individuals, or situations that cause your brain to crave substances; if you are unaware of them they could be a factor for relapse.
Triggers
Nothing Changes if.........
Nothing Changes
This Friends actor, who passed away in 2023, wrote a memoir about his addiction struggles
Matthew Perry
This practice, often used in recovery, focuses on being present without judgment
Mindfulness Skills
What is the brain chemical most associated with pleasure and reward?
Dopamine
A state of mind where you are thankful and taking notice of the good things in your life, rather than focusing on the bad
gratitude
This technique encourages someone to wait out a craving, knowing it will pass rather than acting on it.
urge surfing (riding the wave)
Creating a daily routine in early recovery helps reduce this major relapse risk factor
boredom
This grunge icon died in 1994 from suicide after battling heroin addiction
Kurt Cobain
The practice of taking an active role in regularly doing things that improve your well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress
self-care
This recovery saying reminds people to focus on the present rather than the future
one day at a time
This relationship pattern involves prioritizing others' needs over one's own recovery.
codependency
What is a relapse prevention plan?
A plan to help prevent relapse:
avoid triggers, ways to manage cravings, phone numbers,
In recovery, these types of goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
SMART Goals
This rapper, known for hits like In Da Club, has spoken about avoiding drugs and alcohol throughout his career despite growing up around substance use
50 Cent
Getting support from a neutral person who can help with mental health and addiction concerns
therapy or counseling
This is the first step in many 12-step programs: admitting you have this
What is a problem (or powerlessness) over alcohol or drugs
Name at least 3 reasons people use drugs
To feel better (stress, depression, etc)
To feel good (socially, pleasure, relaxation)
Curiosity (peer pressure, seeking a thrill, etc)
Fear of withdrawal (using to avoid feeling ill/dope sick/ hungover) ex: drinking as an "eye opener"
believing in our ability so greatly that it can cause us setbacks or problems in relation to recovery and mental health
overconfidence
The stage of change where you’re actively taking small steps toward quitting.
Preparation
discussion: Can someone identify which stage they are in and explain
This movie follows a struggling musician battling addiction and mental health issues, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
A Star is Born
Name one coping skill that can help prevent relapse during cravings
What is deep breathing / calling a sponsor / exercise / distraction
HALT is an acronym reminding people to watch out for these four relapse warning signs
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Drinking alcohol increases your risk for several cancers, including cancers of the liver, breast, and this part of the digestive system
What is the mouth, throat, or esophagus
these thoughts are harmful in recovery and can be things we tell ourselves to talk us into using again
Relapse justification thoughts
bonus: 100pts to anyone willing to share a time when they had a justification thought
Tolerance can make people think they're less impaired, leading to this risky behavior
driving while impaired
This Fleetwood Mac singer overcame cocaine addiction and later became an advocate for recovery.
Stevie Nicks
what are the pros and cons of "emotional release" as a coping skill?
Pros: releases the pressure of overwhelming emotions
cons: cannot be done in every situation.
This type of relapse begins with thoughts and emotions before a substance use occurs
emotional or mental relapse
Name 3 reasons that can influence whether or not a person becomes addicted
Genetics (family history)
Age
Environmental factors (neighborhood, friends)
Gender
ethnicity