Relapse
This stage of relapse happens before someone even thinks about using and often includes poor self-care, isolation, and bottling up emotions.
What is emotional relapse?
This is the short window of time where a person decides whether or not to act on a craving.
What is the 5-minute decision (window)?
This brain chemical is released in large amounts during substance use and is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.
What is dopamine?
“This voice often says things like ‘one time won’t hurt’ or ‘you deserve it.’”
What is the Addiction Voice?
This type of boundary involves keeping walls up and not letting others get close.
What are rigid boundaries?
This stage of relapse includes thoughts like “one time won’t hurt” or romanticizing past substance use.
What is mental relapse?
This happens right before the decision point and includes thoughts like “I deserve this” or “just one time won’t hurt.”
What is the addict mind (or automatic negative thoughts)?
These are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that help reduce pain and increase pleasure, often mimicked by substances like opioids.
What are endorphins?
“This voice focuses on long-term goals, honesty, and asking for help.”
What is the Recovery Voice?
This boundary style is characterized by being overly open, people-pleasing, and easily influenced by others.
What are porous boundaries?
Name two warning signs that someone may be in emotional relapse.
What are isolation, poor sleep, irritability, not asking for help, or bottling up emotions?
(Any two)
This is one thing a person can do during the 5-minute window to avoid relapse.
What is calling someone, walking away, talking to staff, distracting, or using a coping skill?
(Any appropriate answer)
This term describes the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and form new pathways in recovery.
What is neuroplasticity?
“Identify the voice: ‘I’ve made it through worse days without using, I can get through this too.’”
What is the Recovery Voice?
This type of boundary allows a person to say, “I care about you, but I can’t lend you money,” demonstrating balance and self-respect.
What are healthy boundaries?
This stage of relapse is when a person actually returns to using a substance, but it is usually the result of earlier stages.
What is physical relapse?
Why is the 5-minute decision so important in preventing relapse?
What is because relapse is not random and often happens in a brief moment where a person can choose a different action before using?
This statistic reflects the approximate percentage of people who relapse after treatment for alcohol use disorder.
What is 40–60%?
“This type of thinking minimizes consequences and often sounds like ‘it wasn’t that bad’ or ‘I can control it this time.’”
What is Rationalization/Minimization (Addiction Thinking)?
This type of boundary can increase relapse risk because individuals may say “yes” when they mean “no” and engage with triggers or unhealthy relationships.
What are porous boundaries?
This stage of relapse involves an internal battle between wanting to stay sober and wanting to use, often including bargaining and planning.
What is mental relapse?
This thinking pattern often tricks a person during the 5-minute decision by minimizing consequences or creating false confidence.
What is rationalization (or bargaining / addict thinking)?
Name two reasons why there is no exact timeline for recovery from addiction.
What are differences in brain healing, length/severity of use, co-occurring mental health issues, environment, support systems, or individual neuroplasticity?
(Any two)
“This is the skill of recognizing an addictive thought, labeling it as the addiction voice, and replacing it with a healthier thought.”
What is Cognitive Restructuring (or Challenging/Reframing Addictive Thinking)?
A client refuses all help, isolates from support systems, and insists they don’t need anyone in recovery.
What are rigid boundaries, and how can they negatively impact recovery?