Co-occurring Dx 101
What does “co-occurring disorders” mean?
What is Having both a mental health and substance use issue at the same time
What is a trigger?
What is something that starts the urge to use.
What does “ambivalence” mean?
What is feeling two ways about something at the same time.
Name two coping skills
What is color, painting, breathing techniques, meditation, exercise, a hobby, etc.
Name three mental health condition that can co-occur with substance use.
What is Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD.
Name 2 types of triggers.
What is people/places/things?
Name two reasons someone might feel unsure about recovery.
What is fear of change, fear of failure, comfort in old habits, not trusting themselves, lack of support.
What is grounding?
What is a technique that brings you back to the present moment.
True or False: When treating Co-occurring dx, you would address the mental health first because that is what led to the substance use.
False: Both conditions must be treated together for best outcomes.
Give an example of an internal trigger.
What is stress, loneliness, anger, boredom, anxiety, memories.
Name three reasons to change.
What is (family, health, stability, freedom etc.).
Describe a coping skill that helps with both anxiety and cravings.
What is describe a coping skill that helps with both anxiety and cravings.
How can substance use make mental health symptoms worse over time—even if it helps short term? (Name two)
What is increases anxiety/depression after it wears off, creates dependency → more stress, avoids real healing, impacts sleep, relationships, stability, causes physical and medical concerns later.
What is the difference between a trigger and a craving?
What is a trigger starting the urge; a craving is the urge itself?
What is one internal thought that keeps ambivalence going?
What is “What if I can’t stay sober long‑term?”
“I want to stop… but I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“Recovery sounds good… but using still feels easier.”
“I want support… but I don’t want to talk to strangers.”
What is are two barriers that can stop someone from using coping skills and how could you work around it
What is
What is it called when addressing both substance use and mental health treatment together?
What is integrated treatment?
Cravings often feel intense but temporary. What are 2 strategies to ride out a craving without acting on it?
What is Urge surfing (ride it like a wave), Distract (clean, walk, TV, music), Grounding (5-4-3-2-1), Remind yourself cravings pass etc
Give an example of an internal though to reframe ambivalence and promote motivation?
What is “I’m scared to change, but I know I’m capable of taking one small step today.” “I don’t feel ready, but I do want a better life, so I’ll keep trying.” etc
How does deep breathing help the brain during stress?
What is it activating the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the brain.