Interpersonal Skills
This skill helps you understand what someone in your support system is really saying without judgment.
What is active listening?
Using breathing, grounding, or walking away helps strengthen this ability.
What is self-control?
Asking yourself, “Is this person, place, or situation safe for my recovery?” uses this skill.
What is evaluating risk?
Knowing your personal triggers — people, places, or feelings — is an example of this.
What is self-awareness?
Firmly saying “No, I can’t go there” when offered a high-risk situation shows this skill.
What is assertive refusal?
When talking to a sponsor, counselor, or peer, this skill helps you clearly say how you're feeling.
What is healthy communication?
Getting back on track after a slip or setback shows this important quality.
What is resilience?
Resilience is the strength to get through difficult situations and come out stronger.
Recognizing when your thoughts are distorted — like “I can control it now” — requires this.
What is challenging cognitive distortions?
Recognizing cravings as temporary feelings rather than commands shows this understanding.
What is craving awareness?
Telling others what you need to stay sober — like space or support — uses this communication style.
What is direct communication?
This allows you to understand someone else’s feelings, which helps reduce conflict and build trust in recovery.
What is empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what someone else is experiencing, even if you haven’t been through the exact same situation.
Calling a sponsor or friend instead of acting on an urge is an example of this coping strategy.
What is reaching out for support?
This skill helps you check if your thoughts are based on facts or cravings.
What is reality testing?
Identifying how stress affects your urge to use demonstrates this.
What is emotional awareness?
Ending friendships that threaten sobriety involves setting these
What are healthy boundaries?
This skill helps you choose supportive people and avoid relationships that may trigger use.
What is relationship awareness?
Reminding yourself why you chose recovery helps strengthen this inner skill.
What is motivation maintenance?
Identifying what triggers you — emotionally or situationally — shows this type of thinking.
What is self-analysis?
Noticing how your behavior affects loved ones shows this growth skill.
What is accountability?
Stating your limits while staying respectful shows this style of assertiveness.
What is balanced assertiveness?
Staying calm when others are upset shows this important interpersonal skill.
What is emotional regulation during conversations?
Creating a plan for triggers before they happen — such as holidays, stress, or conflict — shows this.
What is anticipatory coping?
Anticipatory means “done in advance” or “before something happens.”
Looking at a setback and asking “What can I learn from this?” uses this higher-level skill.
What is reflective thinking?
Being honest with yourself about your progress and areas for improvement is part of this reflection.
What is self-honesty?
Communicating your triggers or limits before a difficult event is an example of this recovery skill.
What is proactive boundary setting?