Relapse Basics
What is a relapse?
A return to substance use or criminal behavior after a period of abstinence.
What meeting-related behavior can signal relapse?
Skipping support meetings.
Name one area of the Wellness Wheel.
Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, etc.
What tool breaks down risky thinking patterns?
The Thinking Report worksheet.
What kind of decisions can lead subtly to relapse?
Seemingly Unimportant Decisions (SUDs).
Is relapse a single event or a process?
It's a process, often beginning with emotional or mental shifts.
What does the 'deserve' mentality lead to?
Rationalizing substance use or criminal behavior.
What activity replaces risk with routine?
Engaging in structured, healthy habits.
What group activity helps you identify triggers?
“My Triggers” small group discussion.
What are core beliefs?
Deep-seated thoughts about oneself and the world.
What percentage of people relapse in the first year?
Between 40–60% according to NIDA.
Feeling too confident or too hopeless can both lead to...?
Reduced vigilance and potential relapse.
Why is boredom dangerous in recovery?
It creates space for cravings and poor decisions.
What visual shows the relapse process step-by-step?
The Relapse Cycle diagram.
Give an example of a negative core belief.
“I can’t trust anyone” or “Rules don’t apply to me.”
Name one internal factor that can trigger relapse.
Emotional distress, such as loneliness or frustration.
Name one subtle warning sign that is easy to miss.
Making Seemingly Unimportant Decisions (SUDs).
What should you do when a life area scores low on your wellness wheel?
Set a specific, achievable goal to improve it.
What is HALT an acronym for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What’s the first step in the relapse cycle?
Trigger
True or False: Relapse means someone has failed in recovery.
False. It's an opportunity to learn and reinforce strategies.
Reconnecting with whom can increase relapse risk?
Old using partners.
Name all 8 areas of the Wellness Wheel.
Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, Social.
How can you practice assertive refusal skills?
Role play. A partner activity where one offers drugs or criminal behavior and the other practices saying “no” with confidence and recovery language.
What strategy replaces negative thoughts with supportive ones?
Cognitive reframing or affirmations.