Triggers
What is a trigger?
A person, place, thing, thought or feeling that creates cravings or increases the risk of substance use.
What is one healthy coping skill for stress?
Exercise, meditation, talking to a friend, or using grounding techniques.
What does SUD stand for?
Substance Use Disorder.
What is one step you can take to prevent relapse?
Avoiding triggers, using coping skills, attending meetings, or calling support.
What is self-care?
Actions taken to care for physical, emotional, and mental health.
Name one common EXTERNAL trigger.
Examples: People who ues certain places, parties, drug paraphernalia stressful events
How can deep breathing help in recovery?
It calms the nervous system, lowers stress, and helps manage cravings.
What does the acronym MAT stand for?
Medication-Assisted Treatment.
Why is building a support system important?
Because having accountability and encouragement reduces isolation and strengthens recovery.
Name one form of physical self-care.
Examples: Eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, or going to the doctor.
Name one common INTERNAL trigger.
Examples: Anger, Sadness, Stress, Boredom, Loneliness
Give one example of a coping skill you can use in public.
Stepping outside for air, calling a sponsor, practicing mindfulness, or journaling on your phone.
What is one benefit of attending support groups?
Building community, accountability, encouragement, and shared strategies.
What is an emergency plan you could use if you felt like using?
Call a sponsor, reach out to a peer, go to a meeting, or remove yourself from the triggering situation.
Name one form of emotional self-care.
Talking about feelings, practicing mindfulness, journaling, or therapy.
Why is boredom considered a high-risk trigger in recovery?
Because it can create cravings and lead someone to seek excitement or escampe through substance use.
What is grounding, and when would you use it?
A coping strategy to stay present. Used when feeling anxious, triggered, or overwhelmed.
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
A lapse is a single use or slip; a relapse is a return to a pattern of ongoing use.
How can setting boundaries reduce relapse risk?
It protects you from toxic people or environments that encourage use.
Why is sleep important for recovery?
It restores energy, improves mood, and strengthens decision-making.
Describe how HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) relates to triggers.
These are four common internal states that make people more vulnerable to cravings and relapse.
How can journaling help someone in recovery?
It allows processing of thoughts and emotions, helps track triggers, and promotes self-awareness.
What are the 3 stages of relapse (before actual use)?
Emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse.
Explain how euphoric recall increases relapse risk.
By remembering only the positive feelings of using and ignoring the negative consequences, cravings increase.
How does exercise support mental health in recovery?
It reduces stress, boosts mood, improves sleep, and helps regulate emotions.