Triggers
Name one emotional Trigger
Anger, Sadness, loneliness, boredom, anxiety
Name one healthy coping skill
Exercise, calling someone, journaling, breathing, meetings
True or false: A slip means total failure
False
Name one high risk situation
Being around using people, stress, conflict, money
You're bored and alone at night-what do you do?
Healthy distraction, call someone, change environment.
What is a HALT trigger?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
BONUS: 100 points if you can tell me why hunger is in the category of the biggest relapse triggers?
What is grounding?
Brining yourself back to the present moment
BONUS: 100 points for naming a technique
What is the first stage of relapse?
Emotional Relapse
BONUS 100 points if you can answer what an emotional relapse looks like.
Why is payday a risk?
Access to money and old habits
You run into someone you used to use with-what's your next move?
Leave, set a boundary, call support, be transparent ( tell them you're clean)
Why is boredom a dangerous trigger?
It creates space for cravings and thoughts to come in.
Why is calling someone powerful in recovery?
Breaks isolation and adds accountability
What does relapse usually start with?
Thoughts/Behaviors, not the substance
What should you do before entering a high risk situation?
Have a plan ( exit strategy, support, boundaries)
You're stressed after a bad day, what is a better choice than using ?
This is a silly question/anything would be better than using.......
Talk it out, exercise, journal, meeting I think anything goes.......
What is the difference between internal and external triggers ?
Internal=Feelings/Thoughts, External=people, places, things
What is a coping skill you can use immediately if a craving hits?
Deep breathing, delay, distract, drink cold water, leave the situation.
Why is isolation dangerous in recovery?
No accountability, thoughts and behaviors go unchecked.
Why is over confidence dangerous?
Makes you think you don't need anyone (support)
You start thinking "just one time won't hurt" what do you do?
Challenge thought, play the tape forward, reach out
Name a trigger that people often underestimate.
Celebrations, getting paid, overconfidence, "Im doing good now"
"Which one has gotten You before?"
Why don't coping skills work if you don't practice them daily?
Because they don't come automatically under stress.
What is one early warning sign of relapse?
Romanticizing use, skipping meetings, mood changes, secrecy.
What was YOUR warning sign before last relapse?
What is the safest move if you feel triggered in a risky situation?
Leave immediately
Who here have stayed too long before?
You feel like giving up, or get the "F" its what do you do?
Talk to someone, call your sponsor, remember why you started this, don't isolate, tell on your-self.