Group Rules
Attend group sessions... (example: if group starts at 10:30am, be present for group at 10:30am)
What is On Time?
They can temporarily stop you from thinking about your pain and, as a result, they give you time to find an appropriate coping response. (examples: watch a movie, read a book, take a walk, etc.)
What are Distractions/Diversions?
This term refers to the urge to use a substance again.
What is a Craving?
This will help you experience more fully the present moment while focusing less on painful experiences from the past or frightening possibilities in the future.
What is Mindfulness?
Negative and self-defeating ways of thinking can make you depressed or anxious, and can set you up for relapse. Thoughts that make using or drinking seem okay. These thoughts trick your brain into believing alcohol or other drug use is all right. (Examples: “I can handle just one drink,” “If they think I’m using, I might as well use,” or “I have worked hard. I need a break.”)
What is Stinkin' Thinkin'?
ANYTHING discussed within a group MAY NOT be discussed with anyone outside of group. Any situation that occurs in a group may not be spoken of outside of group.
What is Confidentiality?
HALT stands for...
What is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired?
People, Places, and/or Things (that may increase the likelihood of using again)
What are triggers?
Deep breathing, imagery, and guided relaxation are all forms of this mindfulness practice (which when done, calms the mind and body)
What is Meditation?
5 Stages of Recovery
What is Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance stages?
The individual you would speak to if you do not understand something, have a question or suggestion, and/or if you need help...
What is a Counselor/Group Facilitator?
Utilizing tools such as exercise, mindfulness, seeking support, etc. as alternatives to substance use when facing triggers/cravings.
What are healthy coping mechanisms?
When trying to prevent relapse, it is important to avoid this type of situation, where you might be tempted to use again.
What is High-Risk Situations?
A way to mindfully engage in the experience of your urges while watching them pass. It involves noticing the sensations in your body that arise when you're having urges, watching them rise in intensity, build up to their peak, and then crash and subside. Your urges are like ocean waves-they build up more and more until they are at their strongest, and then they break at their peak and subside.
What is Urge Surfing?
This approach/mantra emphasizes avoiding substance use for 24 hours at a time
What is "one day at a time"?
No cross talk and actively listening to one another without interruptions or judgments are examples of...
What is being considerate and respectful to one another?
These can include support groups, counselors, religious or spiritual communities (church), supportive friends and/or family members, spouse or significant other, etc...
What is a Support System?
The gradual movement toward relapse; Can be so subtle and so easily explained away or denied that often a relapse feels like it happened suddenly. This slow movement away from sobriety can be compared to a ship gradually drifting away from where it was moored (anchored). The drifting movement can be so slow you don’t even notice it.
What is Relapse Drift?
To bring your full attention to the experience of eating. To Notice and attend to hunger cues, as well as the feeling of fullness that develops as you eat. To take time to notice the colors, shapes, and textures of your food. When you are eating, eat one bite as a time. To pay attention to the feeling of chewing, the unique flavors of your food, and how your body feels. To put your fork down between bites. To slow down and be present during your meals.
Symptoms of this can include anxiety, shakiness, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and, in more severe cases, fever, seizures, and psychosis.
What is Withdrawal?
Name three things that are NOT tolerated in group
What is Violence, Verbal Abuse, Smoking, Eating, Drinking, Gum Chewing?
These are designed to soothe your emotions when you’re in a distressing situation. They are statements that remind you of your strength, your past successes, and some commonly held truths. (example: "this too shall pass")
What are Coping Thoughts?
A ______ occurs when you slip into a single incident of using behavior. Whereas a _______ is a full-blown episode of using.
What is a Lapse and a Relapse?
Utilizing mindfulness to be in the moment and stay calm, these senses are used...
What is All 5 Senses (taste, hearing, sight, smell, touch)?
A physiological and psychological reaction that occurs when an individual perceives a threat or danger.
What is Fight or Flight Response?