Opposite Action
DEAR MAN
ABC PLEASE
STOP
THINK
100

What is the purpose of using Opposite Action?

To change an emotion by acting opposite to what it urges you to do

100

What is DEAR MAN used for?

Getting what you want or need in a respectful way; offering concerns to peers; holding others accountable

100

What does the "A" in ABC stand for?

Accumulate Positive Experiences

100

What does the “S” in STOP stand for? Explain how this step works.

Stop – freeze and don’t make it worse

100

What does the “T” in THINK stand for? (not just the first word of the skill)

Think about the other person’s point of view

200

If you feel like isolating when you're sad, what opposite action could you take?

Reach out to someone, be around people, talk

200

What does the “D” stand for in DEAR MAN?

Describe the situation

200

Name one thing that counts as "E" in PLEASE.

Exercise, Eating Balanced Meals

200

What should you do after you “T” – Take a step back?

Observe what’s happening inside and outside of you

200

When should you use the THINK skill?

In conflict or when trying to keep a relationship respectful

300

What emotion are you targeting if you do opposite action by approaching something you’re avoiding?

Fear or anxiety

300

Fill in the blanks: Express your feelings, Assert your needs, _____  ___  __________.

Reinforce the Relationship

300

What does the "C" in ABC stand for and what does it mean?

Cope ahead – make a plan for a stressful situation before it happens

300

What does STOP help you do in a crisis moment?

Pause and respond skillfully instead of reacting

300

What does the “K” stand for in THINK?

Kind – Be kind and respectful, even when it's hard

400

True or False: Opposite Action works even if you don’t feel like it.

True

400

What does the “MAN” part of DEAR MAN help you do?

Stay strong: Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate

400

True or False: Getting good sleep and exercising are part of ABC.

False – they’re part of PLEASE

400

Fill in the blanks: STOP stands for ____, Take a step back, ____, Proceed mindfully.

Stop, Observe

400

True or False: THINK is about getting your way no matter what.

False – it's about keeping the relationship in mind

500

Give an example of an opposite action for feeling shame.

Hold your head up, make eye contact, share instead of hiding

500

You need a family member to stop using around you. Give a DEAR MAN script to ask them to do this.

(Any reasonable script with Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate)

500

You’re feeling moody and overwhelmed. Which parts of PLEASE might be missing if you skipped your meds and stayed up all night?

P (Physical illness) and S (Sleep)

500

You’re about to blow up in group. Walk through STOP skill step-by-step.

Stop, Take a step back, Observe your thoughts/feelings, Proceed mindfully with a wise decision

500

You're mad at your friend but don’t want to ruin the relationship. What part of THINK helps you stay calm while expressing your feelings?

The “I” – Interpret the situation with generosity

Or "H" - Have empathy toward the other person