Actions have consequences
You skip probation check-in. What’s likely to happen next?
You could get a violation, a warrant might be issued, and you could be detained or face more restrictions.
You get locked up. Who else is affected besides you?
Your parents, siblings, friends, probation officer, school, and even your future opportunities.
TRUE or FALSE: “I was angry, so I had no choice but to react.”
FALSE – You always have a choice. Anger is real, but how you act on it is your responsibility.
What’s one thing you can do if you mess up with your PO or counselor?
Be honest, take accountability, and ask how to make it right or what steps to take next.
Your friend offers you a pill to “take the edge off.” What do you do?
Say no, walk away, call someone you trust, or remind yourself what’s at risk (your freedom, your progress, your goals).
You hit someone who disrespected you. What’s one short-term and one long-term consequence?
Short-term: You might get arrested or suspended.
Long-term: You could lose trust, get a record, or be labeled as violent.
You yell at staff or a peer. How might that impact the group?
It can make others feel unsafe, derail group progress, and create a hostile or disrespectful environment.
What’s a thinking error in this statement: “No one respects me, so I don’t need to respect anyone.”
Blaming others to justify your behavior.
Respect has to be given to be earned — not just demanded.
You lost someone’s trust. What’s the first step to rebuild it?
Admit what you did, take responsibility, and don’t make excuses.
You’re around people smoking weed and you’re on probation. What’s your move?
Leave the area, call a ride, remind yourself of the consequences, or use a coping skill to stay focused.
You fail a drug test. How could that impact your program or freedom?
You could lose privileges, get a sanction, be removed from the program, or even go back to detention or jail.
When someone uses drugs in recovery housing, how does it affect others trying to stay clean?
It can trigger cravings, put others at risk of relapse, break trust, and possibly shut down the whole program.
What emotion often leads to impulsive or violent behavior?
Anger — especially when it’s not managed or when it masks fear, sadness, or hurt.
You disrespected someone in group. How can you repair that?
Apologize sincerely, own the behavior, and show respect moving forward.
You feel like giving up on treatment. Who can you talk to instead of quitting?
Counselor, mentor, sponsor, PO, trusted peer, or family member. Don’t suffer alone.
You post a video of a fight online. What are 2 ways this could backfire?
You could be charged for promoting violence, get kicked off social media or school platforms, or trigger retaliation.
You drive under the influence. Who’s at risk—even if you don’t crash?
Your passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, your license/freedom, and your legal status.
Name 2 red flags that show you’re about to make a bad choice.
Feeling disrespected and ready to “snap,” or thinking, “I don’t care what happens.”
You broke a program rule. What’s a better response than lying or denying?
Admit the mistake early, explain what you learned, and ask for a second chance or plan to do better.
You’re disrespected in front of others. How can you keep your cool without looking weak?
Keep your head, walk away, or respond calmly. Strength is controlling yourself, not proving something.
You steal from someone. List 3 possible consequences beyond “getting caught.”
Loss of trust from staff and peers, possible criminal charges, removal from the program or group, and damage to your reputation.
You lie to someone close to you. What kind of damage can that do over time?
It breaks trust, creates emotional distance, and makes people less likely to believe or support you in the future.
Describe a time you acted on emotion and it made things worse. What could you have done differently?
Your own
(Example): I cussed out my PO when I was mad. I could’ve asked for space, calmed down, and talked it out later instead.
You hurt your family with past actions. Name 3 ways to show them you’re trying to change.
Stay sober, follow through on your word, communicate respectfully, and keep showing up even when it’s hard.
You’re out and someone says “let’s hit a lick.” What are 3 ways to walk away without drama?
Say you’re on probation and can’t risk it, pretend you gotta go, or redirect the convo and change the subject.