Triggers and Cravings
True or False?
Cravings only happen right after you stop using.
False
True or False?
Recovery and sobriety are the same thing.
False. Sobriety simply means not using. Recovery means making changes in order to stay sober.
What are coping skills?
Anything you do that helps you deal with an emotion or situation
True or False?
The only real consequences of using drugs or alcohol occur if you get caught?
False
True or False?
Thinking of the benefits of sobriety can help someone stay sober.
True
Does a trigger always turn into a craving?
No.
How can changing a daily routine be helpful for someone's recovery?
Using often becomes part of a person's routine, so changing the routine provides opportunities to fill time with activities other than using.
Give an example of a professional support and a natural support (someone who's a part of your everyday life) who someone could contact if they needed support.
Professional (police, hospital, therapist, probation, school staff, mobile crisis/youth unit)
Natural (family, friends, significant others, another supportive adult/coach...)
School, work, home, practice...
What is a health benefit to not using drugs or alcohol?
Easier to breathe, thinking more clearly, improved memory, less risk of cancer, more regulated emotions
Besides seeing it or smelling it, name 2 other common triggers.
Ex: music, movies, friends, holidays, summers, weekends, school bathroom, emotions, having cash, the park, trouble sleeping...
Saying no when offered drugs or alcohol can be difficult. Name one way someone can say no effectively.
Don't make excuses for why you can't use right now, make eye contact, be firm in your answer, suggest an alternative activity or distraction
How could using problem-solving techniques help someone cope without using drugs or alcohol?
Solving a problem instead of avoiding it could provide relief without using.
Name two potential health consequences from using drugs or drinking alcohol?
memory loss, cancer, difficulty breathing, bad breath, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, diseases like Hepatitis
What is a social benefit of not using drugs or alcohol?
How long does it typically take for a craving to peak and resolve?
A few minutes
What are two activities that could support a person in their recovery?
Going to 12 step meetings, hanging out with sober people, exercising, sports, spiritual activities, therapy...
There are 4 main categories of coping skills: active, creative, cognitive, ad social. Give an example for each.
Active: anything that requires movement
Creative: writing, drawing, painting, building...
Cognitive: mindfulness, challenging thoughts, reading, crossword, counting, ABC game...
Social: being with friends, family, calling someone...
Explain how someone's education could be negatively impacted by their drug or alcohol use.
loss of motivation to do schoolwork, suspensions/expulsions resulting in missed days, lack of focus, memory loss, falling asleep in class
What does it mean to be "internally motivated" for recovery?
To have your own reasons for staying sober outside of other people or the legal system telling you to be
What is something in nature that is used to describe how a craving is experienced?
A wave
Thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected. Name an activity that can help support someone's emotional health.
Therapy, mindfulness, spiritual activities, getting good sleep, communicating emotions, taking medications as prescribed, talking to a trusted individual
Give an example of coping skills for each of the 5 senses.
Taste: drink cold water
Touch: pet an animal
Smell: lotion, candles
Sight: reading, looking at images
Hear: music
How can a relapse negatively affect someone's self-image?
Losing trust again, feeling like a failure, guilt/shame, lengthening time on probation
If someone is thinking, "People assume I'm using, so I might as well use," how can they challenge that thought?
Ex: "Just because people think I'm using, doesn't mean I should."
"I will just prove them wrong."