Problem Solving
What’s the first step in solving a problem effectively?
What is identifying the problem?
In recovery, your “garden” represents what?
What are the healthy habits, thoughts, and relationships you want to grow?
This chemical in the brain is most commonly linked to addiction and pleasure.
What is dopamine?
These are often formed in childhood and influence your self-image.
What are core beliefs?
This is the foundation of any healthy relationship, allowing people to be open and honest without fear.
What is trust?
This kind of thinking helps you come up with different solutions before acting.
What is brainstorming?
Your “garbage” includes these types of behaviors.
What are negative, toxic, or self-destructive habits?
Substance use affects the brain’s ability to make ______ decisions.
What are reasonable or rational?
True or False: Core beliefs are always true.
What is false?
In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel free to express thoughts and feelings clearly through this key skill.
What is communication?
These people can support your problem-solving efforts by offering feedback, advice, or just listening.
Who are support systems (like sponsors, therapists, or peers)?
Give an example of a “weed” that can pop up in your recovery garden.
What is negative self-talk or resentment?
What are some ways to treat withdrawal symptoms and care for cravings?
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combined with therapy, coping skills, mental health care, and support?
“I’m not good enough” is an example of this kind of core belief.
What is a negative or limiting belief?
This term describes the respectful limits people set in relationships to maintain personal comfort and safety.
What are boundaries?
You forgot to pay a bill and now feel overwhelmed. This is one step you could take to work through the problem.
Multiple answers may apply
Name one way to "water" your recovery garden this week.
What is attending meetings, using coping skills, or reaching out for support?
What happens in the brain’s reward system during withdrawal?
What is it becomes underactive, leading to low mood and cravings?
What is one way to challenge a negative core belief?
What is practicing affirmations or using evidence to dispute the belief?
This occurs when one person constantly gives and the other constantly takes, creating an imbalance in the relationship.
What is a one-way relationship?
You’re struggling to sleep and it’s affecting your mood. This is one possible solution you could try.
Multiple answers may apply
If your “garden” starts wilting, what does that tell you?
What is that you might be neglecting your self-care or boundaries?
What are some ways that substance use has affected you mentally?
What is focus, mood, motivation, concentration?
Share a negative core belief you have. Also, share information that rejects this core belief.
Different answers may apply
These two actions are crucial when repairing a damaged relationship; one involves letting go of past wrongs, and the other involves showing genuine care.
What are forgiveness and empathy?