Four Principles of Anxiety
True or False: Anxiety can harm you
False. Unmanaged anxiety can definitely lead to harmful behaviors such as substance use, but anxiety itself is not harmful.
Define cognitive distortion.
Negative thinking pattern
How long can PAWS last for?
Up to 2 years
True or False: Setting and maintaining boundaries are a part of emotional self-care.
True.
How many continents are there on Earth?
7
True or False: Anxiety is unavoidable.
True. We are all subject to experience anxiety, having anxiety means you are normal.
Give one example of a cognitive distortion.
(:
How can you address PAWS?
Preparation, education, and awareness
What are some examples of emotional self-care?
Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, positive self-talk, mindfulness, activities that bring joy
What color are the stars on the American flag?
white
True or False: You should NOT consult with your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety constantly.
False. You should always consult with a professional if you are having constant anxiety as it could be an anxiety disorder.
Identify the Distortion.
A friend of yours relapses and you automatically assume it is your fault.
Personalization
True or False: PAWS is the leading cause of relapse.
True. People begin to experience ups and downs and think "if this is what recovery is like then I don't want it." Stay educated and prepared for the ups and downs, learn skills to manage the symptoms and remember, it is only temporary.
How many types of self-care are there?
6
What is the name of the hormone often called the “stress hormone”?
Cortisol
True or False: You should avoid things that cause anxiety.
False. Avoiding things that cause anxiety may provide temporary relief, but it leads to more anxiety.
Identify the distortion.
You see a missed call from your boss and think you are going to be fired.
Jumping to conclusions
How do coping skills help rewire the brain?
They create new neural pathways
Why is emotional self-care important in recovery?
Unmanaged emotions can lead to relapse. It builds emotional resilience.
How many legs does a lobster have?
10
Why is it unhealthy to avoid situations that cause anxiety?
Acceptable Answers:
Avoidance reinforces the behavior to avoid situations where you are anxious.
Does not allow for you to realize that you can handle anxious situations.
Leads to increased anxiety over time.
Identify the distortion.
You were drinking/using for 10+ years, but after 30 days you start to think "it wasn't that bad."
Minimization
Why do people keep using even when they know it’s harmful?
Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward and motivation circuits. The brain becomes physically wired to seek the drug.
Physical
Practical/Professional
Spiritual
Social
Mental/Intellectual
What organ in the human body is able to regenerate itself?
Liver