Triggers and Cravings
This term describes a situation, person, or feeling that can lead someone to want to use substances.
What is a trigger?
This physical activity is often recommended to reduce stress and improve mental health.
What is exercise?
This type of coping skill involves reaching out to others for support.
What is social support?
This is the first step in many 12-step recovery programs.
What is admitting you have a problem?
This popular phrase reminds us to focus on progress rather than perfection.
What is “progress, not perfection”?
A sudden, strong desire to use substances is commonly called this.
What is a craving?
This technique involves focusing on the present moment to calm the mind.
What is mindfulness?
Long-term use of this stimulant can lead to severe dental problems, often called “meth mouth.”
What is methamphetamine?
This term refers to the process of returning to substance use after a period of abstinence.
What is relapse?
Many recovery programs use this three-word phrase to emphasize taking things slowly.
What is “one day at a time”?
Name two common emotional triggers for substance use.
What are stress and loneliness?
Name one healthy distraction you can use when feeling triggered.
What is reading a book (or listening to music, journaling, etc.)?
This term refers to the body’s need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.
What is tolerance?
Name one common warning sign of potential relapse.
What is isolating yourself (or skipping meetings, increased stress, etc.)?
This is the term for a personal goal or commitment that motivates someone to stay sober.
What is a recovery goal?
This type of trigger involves environmental factors like places or objects associated with use.
What are external triggers?
This type of therapy, often used in recovery, focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
This condition can occur when someone suddenly stops using alcohol after heavy, prolonged use.
What is alcohol withdrawal?
This phrase refers to thinking patterns like “I’ve already used once, so I might as well keep using.”
What is the “what-the-hell effect” (or “all-or-nothing thinking”)?
This is the name of the small, tangible item often given in 12-step programs to mark milestones of sobriety.
What is a sobriety chip (or medallion)?
Name one strategy to manage cravings when they arise.
What is deep breathing (or distraction, grounding techniques, calling a sponsor, etc.)?
This type of coping skill involves reaching out to others for support.
What is social support?
The neurotransmitter most affected by addictive substances, associated with feelings of pleasure.
What is dopamine?
This term refers to a return to positive recovery behaviors after a relapse.
What is a recovery rebound?
Finish this quote often shared in recovery: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”
What is “the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”?