Triggers
What is a trigger?
Anything that increases the urge to return to unhealthy behaviors, substance use, or mental health symptoms.
Name one healthy coping skill.
Exercise, journaling, deep breathing, talking to a support person, meditation, art, music, etc.
What is a warning sign?
An early indicator that someone may be struggling or moving toward relapse.
What is a support system?
People who provide encouragement, accountability, and help during difficult times.
What is one benefit of having a daily routine?
Structure and stability.
Name two examples of emotional triggers.
Stress, anxiety, anger, loneliness, sadness, frustration, boredom.
What breathing technique can help reduce anxiety during cravings?
Deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, or paced breathing.
Name one behavioral warning sign of relapse.
Isolation, missing appointments, avoiding support systems, dishonesty, poor self-care.
Name three possible members of a support system.
Family, friends, therapist, sponsor, peer support, clergy, mentor.
Name one self-care activity that supports recovery.
Sleep, exercise, healthy eating, relaxation, hobbies.
True or False: Triggers are always external.
False. Triggers can be internal (thoughts, emotions) or external (people, places, situations).
Which coping skill involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment?
Mindfulness
Which often comes first: relapse or warning signs?
Warning signs.
Why is isolation dangerous in recovery?
It can increase stress, cravings, depression, and relapse risk.
What does it mean to set boundaries?
Establishing limits that protect health and recovery.
What acronym is often used to identify common relapse vulnerabilities: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired?
HALT
What should you do if a coping strategy is not working?
Try another coping skill, reach out for support, or use a relapse prevention plan.
True or False: Relapse usually happens suddenly with no warning.
False
What should you do if you are struggling and don't feel like reaching out?
Reach out anyway to a trusted support person.
Why is stress management important in relapse prevention?
High stress can increase vulnerability to relapse.
Why is identifying triggers important?
Because awareness allows people to plan coping strategies before relapse occurs.
Why is it important to have multiple coping skills?
Different situations require different strategies; one skill may not work every time.
What is one action you can take when you notice warning signs?
Contact a support person, attend a meeting, use coping skills, review a relapse prevention plan.
Complete the statement: "Recovery is strengthened through ____."
Connection, support, and accountability.
What are three components of a relapse prevention plan?
Triggers, coping skills, support contacts, warning signs, emergency steps.