Alcohol
What is the first step in recovery, according to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous?
What is admitting that you have a problem (powerlessness over alcohol)?
What is something that can remind you of using or make you want to use again?
What is a trigger?
This type of coping skill helps calm your body when you're feeling anxious, angry, or overwhelmed.
What is a relaxation (or calming) coping skill?
Having this kind of person in your life can help you stay accountable and supported.
What is a sponsor, mentor, or supportive friend/family member?
What is one common support group for people recovering from alcohol or drugs?
What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
This common withdrawal symptom can make it difficult to focus or remember things during early sobriety.
What is “brain fog” (or cognitive difficulty)?
What’s one healthy way to manage a craving when it shows up?
What is using a coping skill (like deep breathing, calling support, distraction, or mindfulness)?
Name two healthy coping skills you could use instead of using drugs or alcohol when experiencing cravings.
Possible answers include:
What does setting a healthy boundary mean in recovery?
What is protecting your peace and sobriety by communicating your limits respectfully?
What’s one benefit of having structure or routine in recovery?
What is reducing stress, preventing boredom, or avoiding triggers?
Name one of the four major “feel-good” chemicals in the brain that naturally increase with healthy habits like exercise or laughter.
What is dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, or endorphins?
This type of trigger comes from your thoughts or emotions rather than your surroundings.
What is an internal trigger?
Answer:
You are angry after an argument and your cravings suddenly increase. What is the healthiest thing to do FIRST?
What is use a coping skill before acting?
Examples include walking away, deep breathing, calling someone, grounding, taking a break, or talking with staff.
This type of relationship pattern can involve trying to fix, rescue, or control others.
What is codependency?
Name two of the five stages of change in the recovery process.
What is precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance?
This is the term for the emotional, psychological, and social symptoms that can continue after physical detox has ended.
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?
Name the three steps in the “urge surfing” technique used to ride out cravings without giving in.
What is notice the urge, breathe through it, and let it pass?
Healthy coping skills don't always make uncomfortable feelings disappear, but they do help you __________ instead of reacting impulsively.
What is manage (or cope with) your emotions?
(Accept: tolerate distress, regulate emotions, make better decisions, respond instead of react.)
What’s one red flag that a relationship may be unhealthy or unsafe for someone in early recovery?
What is being around people who use or pressure you to use?
This type of recovery support involves connecting with others who share similar goals, challenges, and encouragement.
What is peer support (or a recovery community)?
This stage of change is when a person actively works on maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse, often by identifying triggers and building a new lifestyle.
What is the Maintenance Stage of Change?
This acronym is used to remind people of high-risk situations that make relapse more likely.
What is HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)?
A coping skill works best when you practice it before a crisis, not only during one. Why?
Because practicing strengthens the brain's healthy pathways (neuroplasticity), makes the skill easier to remember under stress, and increases the likelihood you'll use it instead of substances when cravings or strong emotions occur.
This skill involves listening fully, expressing your needs clearly, and respecting others’ feelings at the same time.
What is assertive communication?
This concept describes finding meaning, purpose, or personal growth as a result of overcoming addiction or trauma.
What is post-traumatic growth (or personal transformation in recovery)?