Triggers & Cravings
What is a trigger in addiction recovery?
A person, place, feeling, or situation that can cause cravings or thoughts of using.
What is one healthy distraction you can use in recovery?
Exercise, art, reading, cleaning, or listening to music.
What is the first step of the 12 Steps?
Admitting we were powerless over addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Name one FDA-approved MAT medication for opioid addiction.
Methadone, Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), or naltrexone (Vivitrol).
What is sobriety?
Living free from ALL drugs and alcohol.
Name one internal and one external trigger.
Internal: stress or loneliness. External: a bar or seeing drug paraphernalia.
Name a coping skill that involves deep breathing.
Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, or mindful breathing.
What is the meaning of "Higher Power" in recovery?
A spiritual force greater than oneself, defined personally by each person.
True or False: MAT is just replacing one addiction with another.
False – MAT is a medically supervised treatment that supports recovery and reduces harm.
What does relapse mean?
Returning to substance use after a period of abstinence.
What is the HALT acronym and why is it important?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – these are common relapse triggers to watch for.
Explain how mindfulness helps in recovery.
It increases awareness of thoughts and feelings without reacting or using.
What does it mean to make amends?
To take responsibility and repair harm caused to others during active addiction.
What role does therapy play in MAT?
It addresses behavioral, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.
Define "post-acute withdrawal syndrome" (PAWS).
Ongoing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or fatigue that can last for months after detox.
True or False: All cravings need to be acted upon.
False – cravings can be managed and passed without using.
How can a routine support your sobriety?
It creates structure, reduces chaos, and helps avoid idle time that can lead to triggers.
What is the purpose of a sponsor?
To guide you through the steps, offer support, and help with accountability.
How does buprenorphine work in the brain?
It binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal without a full "high."
What is a recovery plan?
A personalized strategy that outlines goals, supports, and tools for staying sober.
Describe 2 strategies to manage sudden cravings.
Deep breathing, calling a support person, going for a walk, or distracting with a task.
Give an example of using "urge surfing."
Noticing the craving, observing it like a wave, and allowing it to pass without acting on it.
Explain the concept of "one day at a time."
Focusing on staying sober just for today, rather than worrying about the future.
What’s the difference between Suboxone and Methadone?
Suboxone is a partial agonist with a ceiling effect; Methadone is a full agonist and more regulated.
What is the meaning of “clean time”?
The amount of time someone has stayed sober without using substances.