The CBT Triangle
What are the three parts of the CBT Triangle?
Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Why is boredom a risk factor for relapse?
It can trigger cravings and lead to using as a way to fill time.
Why is sober support important in recovery?
It provides accountability, encouragement, and positive role models.
What are the five stages of change?
Pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.
What does “mixed feelings” (ambivalence) mean in recovery?
Wanting to stop but also wanting to keep using.
If a person thinks “I can’t relax without using,” what feeling and behavior might follow?
Feeling anxious, behavior = using substances.
Name one healthy activity that can help with boredom.
Exercise, reading, art, meetings, volunteering, etc.
What is one place you can find sober support?
Support groups, meetings, therapy, sober living communities.
In which stage is someone who says, “I don’t think I have a problem”?
Pre-contemplation.
Give an example of a mixed-feelings statement.
“I want to stay sober, but I miss how using made me feel.”
True or False: The CBT Triangle shows how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected.
True
True or False: Boredom is only dangerous in early recovery.
False
True or False: Having sober support lowers the risk of relapse.
True.
True or False: Relapse can be part of the stages of change.
True.
Why do some people get stuck in mixed feelings?
Fear of change, not sure who they are without substances, not confident in coping skills.
Give one example of a healthy thought that could break the addiction cycle.
“I can handle stress in healthier ways like talking to a friend or journaling.”
What feeling often hides underneath boredom?
Loneliness, sadness, or lack of purpose.
What’s one way to build sober connections if you feel shy?
Start with small talk, attend groups, find sober activities you enjoy.
In which stage is someone who is gathering resources and making a plan?
Preparation.
True or False: Having mixed feelings means someone is not serious about recovery.
False – it means they are weighing both sides of change.
What is the purpose of challenging automatic thoughts in CBT?
To replace unhelpful thoughts with balanced ones, which changes feelings and behaviors.
Name 3 coping strategies for boredom that support recovery.
Calling a support, practicing mindfulness, learning a new skill, engaging in hobbies.
Why is replacing old using friends with sober support important?
Old friends may trigger relapse; sober support helps reinforce recovery behaviors.
What stage describes someone who has been sober for over 6 months and is working to maintain it?
Maintenance.
True or False: It’s normal to have mixed feelings about recovery.
True