Tricks or Triggers?
What are TWO healthy ways to manage stress instead of using?
- meditation
- deep breathing
- workout
- call a friend/sponsor
- have a plan/routine
What day is National Recovery Month celebrated in the U.S.?
National Recovery Month is celebrated throughout the entire month of September. While the whole month is dedicated to recovery awareness, some specific days are marked, such as National Sober Day on September 14.
What emotion is often called the “root” of anger?
Fear
What year was Alcoholics Anonymous founded?
1935
Name one thing you’re grateful for today.
Open-ended
True or False: HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Triggered?
FALSE
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
What is the most popular Halloween candy in America?
Reese's Cup
True or False: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms.
True
- How has anxiety caused you physical symptoms?
What is one evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders?
CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Medication-Assisted Treatment
What’s one small act of kindness you could do this weekend?
- Hold the door
- Compliment someone
- Write a letter
- Make a donation
Name TWO triggers that can lead to cravings during Halloween
- Haunted house
- Halloween party
- Being around people in masks/costumes
- Doing Halloween sober for the first time
What’s the first step in the 12 Steps of recovery?
Admit that you are powerless over your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable.
What’s one way to challenge negative thinking?
- Ask the thought challenging questions
- Examine the evidence
- Consider alternatives
- Stay in the present
What is one reason stigma can make recovery harder for people?
It can cause shame, isolation, or discourage seeking help
Name one way to celebrate sobriety without substances this Halloween and other holidays to follow
- Host a sober party
- Carve Pumpkins
- Corn Maze
- Start a new tradition
what is a ground technique you can using during a craving?
- 5.4.3.2.1
- Physical activity
- Connect with nature
- Use affirmations
Name three benefits of staying sober during the holidays.
- Clarity
- Financial reasons
- Better physical and emotional well being
- Enjoy life with family and friends
Which coping skill involves focusing on breathing to calm down?
Mindfulness
What is the definition of “recovery”?
A process of change to improve health and wellness, live self-directed life, reach full potential
What’s a “sweet” self-care activity you enjoy?
- Take a bath
- Cook/bake something
- Walk/hike
- Meditate
Describe how you could support a peer who feels triggered.
- discuss an exit plan
- discuss boundaries
- Grounding techniques
- Be a safe, reassuring presence
The word “Halloween” comes from which older holiday?
All Hallows’ Eve
"All Hallows' Eve" is the name for October 31st, the evening before All Saints' Day, and is commonly known as Halloween. It marks the start of Allhallowtide, a period remembering the dead, and is associated with both its historical Christian roots and modern popular culture traditions like trick-or-treating and costumes.
What does “self-compassion” mean in recovery?
Treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and support you would offer a friend, especially during difficult times.
What is one milestone or achievement in your personal recovery “history”?
Open ended
Share a quote, affirmation, or phrase that inspires your recovery.
Open ended