Recovery Basics
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Name one example of strength that isn't physical.
Examples: honesty, patience, self-control, vulnerability, accountability, kindness, humility.
Name one internal trigger.
Examples: stress, anger, boredom, loneliness, anxiety, depression, guilt.
What is a boundary?
A boundary is a limit you set to protect your well-being and recovery.
Complete the sentence: "Growing up, I was taught that men should..."
Common answers: "Be tough," "Don't cry," "Handle it yourself," "Provide," "Never show weakness," "Fight back," "Suck it up.
What's the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
A lapse is a brief return to use or old behaviors that doesn't have to become a full relapse. A relapse is returning to a pattern of substance use after a period of recovery
Why does asking for help take courage?
It requires honesty, vulnerability, trust, and admitting you don't have all the answers.
Name one external trigger.
Examples: people, places, money, bars, certain music, seeing substances, specific events.
Name two qualities of a healthy friendship.
Examples: honesty, trust, respect, accountability, support, communication, reliability.
Name one way traditional ideas about masculinity can make recovery harder.
Examples: avoiding vulnerability, refusing help, bottling emotions, believing therapy is weakness, relying on substances to cope instead of talking.
Name 3 healthy coping skills.
Exercise, calling a support person, meetings, journaling, prayer, meditation, hobbies, music, walking, breathing exercises, therapy, healthy distractions.
What's an emotion many men are taught to hide?
Examples: sadness, fear, shame, loneliness, grief, anxiety, disappointment.
About how long does the average craving last if you don't act on it?
Generally 15–30 minutes, though it varies by perso
Why is isolation dangerous in recovery?
Isolation increases stress, depression, cravings, and reduces accountability and support.
Why are men statistically less likely to seek mental health treatment or ask for help
Common reasons include stigma, fear of appearing weak, cultural expectations, pride, fear of judgment, and being taught to solve problems alone.
Why is having a daily routine important in recovery?
Routine reduces stress, creates stability, limits idle time, and helps build healthy habits that support recovery.
How can pride help recovery, and how can it hurt it?
Healthy pride builds confidence and motivation. Unhealthy pride prevents honesty, accountability, and accepting help.
What's the difference between a trigger and a choice?
A trigger creates the urge; your response is the choice. Triggers are not excuses or guarantees of relapse.
Give an example of a poor apology.
Examples: "I'm sorry you feel that way," "I'm sorry, but...", or apologizing without changing behavior.
True or False: Anger is usually the first emotion someone feels. Explain.
False. Anger is often a secondary emotion that covers primary emotions like hurt, fear, shame, rejection, grief, disappointment, or helplessness.
True or False: Recovery is just about quitting drugs or alcohol. Explain.
False. Recovery also involves improving physical health, mental health, relationships, coping skills, purpose, and overall quality of life.
Finish the sentence: "A strong man is someone who..."
No single right answer. Responses should include healthy qualities such as responsibility, integrity, honesty, compassion, resilience, or accountability.
Name 5 things you could do if you're experiencing a strong craving.
Any 5: call someone, attend a meeting, go for a walk, deep breathing, remove yourself from the situation, exercise, journal, pray, distract yourself, eat, drink water, use grounding skills.
Name one relationship you may need to protect or change during recovery and explain why.
Any thoughtful answer with an explanation (family, partner, friends, coworkers, old using peers, etc.).
What's one healthy way to redefine what it means to "be a man" in recovery?
Answers should reflect healthy masculinity, such as being accountable, emotionally honest, asking for help when needed, protecting others without controlling them, showing integrity, keeping commitments, respecting others, or taking responsibility for mistakes.