Internal Triggers
This acronym stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What is HALT
The big three of external triggers
What are people, places, and things
This pulls the brain out of a "craving loop" and back into the physical room.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique
The "pleasure chemical."
What is dopamine
A written "emergency exit" strategy.
What is a relapse prevention plan
The "engine room" of addiction.
What is loneliness
Movies, songs, or social media posts
What are media cues
Staying in the "here and now."
What is mindfulness
The body’s way of trying to find "homeostasis" (balance) without the substance.
What is withdrawal
People who understand the struggle and won't judge you.
What is a support system
This emotion is often called a "masked" version of sadness or fear.
What is anger
how holidays can be "landmines" for people in early recovery.
What are social pressures
A physical box with tea, a stress ball, a journal, or photos of loved ones.
What is a self-care kit
These are the symptoms like brain fog and irritability that last weeks or months after the initial detox.
What is post-acute withdrawal symptoms
A place where no substances are allowed
What is a safe zone
Low self-esteem and "self-talk" that is usually negative.
What is the inner critic
This can include lighters, small baggies, or even a specific ATM where they used to withdraw money.
What is drug paraphernalia
The act of "sitting with" a craving and noticing its physical sensations until the feeling eventually peaks and subsides without you acting on it.
What is urge surfing
This is the "CEO" of the brain. Addiction essentially "unplugs" the CEO, leaving the impulsive "limbic system" in charge.
What is the prefrontal cortex
Learning that "No" is a complete sentence.
What are boundaries
"Euphoric Recall" means only remembering these parts of drug use.
What is the good times
This is when a small, seemingly unrelated event triggers a craving
What is the butterfly effect
Visualizing not just the first drink/hit, but the 2:00 AM phone call, the hangover, and the regret the next day.
What is playing the tape to the end
he hopeful fact that the brain can actually grow new pathways and "rewire" itself for sobriety.
What is neuroplasticity
Addiction is chaotic; recovery is built on the "boring" predictability of a healthy daily schedule.
What is routine