Triggers & Cravings
something that increases the urge to use.
Trigger
True or False :
Recovery involves more than simply stopping substance use.
True
True / False: Anger is an emotion.
True
Saying “no” can be a healthy boundary.
True.
True/False :
Addiction affects the brain.
True
HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and _____.
Tired
What is one benefit of having a support system?
Accountability, encouragement, connection, etc.
Name one healthy way to cope with stress.
Exercise, talking, journaling, breathing, etc.
Name one characteristic of a healthy relationship.
Trust, honesty, respect, communication.
The brain chemical most associated with reward and motivation is:
Dopamine
Name two common emotional triggers for relapse.
Anxiety, boredom, loneliness, anger, shame, guilt, etc.
Name three common relapse warning signs.
Isolation, dishonesty, skipping meetings, romanticizing use, poor self-care, etc.
True or False: Feelings are facts.
False
What is the difference between a boundary and a rule?
A boundary controls your behavior; a rule controls someone else’s.
Why can recovery initially feel boring after substance use?
The brain is adjusting to lower dopamine stimulation.
What’s the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger causes the urge; a craving is the urge itself.
What is the difference between a lapse and a full relapse?
A lapse is a brief return to use; relapse is a return to a pattern of use.
What is a secondary emotion?
An emotion that covers another emotion (anger covering hurt, fear, shame, etc.).
A friend repeatedly asks you for money despite knowing you’re rebuilding your life. What boundary might be appropriate?
Refusing to lend money, limiting discussions about money, etc.
What is PAWS?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.
A person says, “I don’t have cravings anymore, so I’m fine.” What recovery risk may be present?
Complacency, overconfidence
A person hasn’t used substances in six months but has stopped attending meetings, talking to supports, and using coping skills. Which stage of relapse may they already be in?
Emotional or mental relapse.
Why is identifying emotions important in recovery?
Recognizing emotions helps people understand triggers, communicate needs, regulate distress, and choose healthy coping strategies instead of substances or other harmful behaviors.
Why might someone struggle to set boundaries even when they know a boundary is needed?
Fear of rejection, guilt, people-pleasing, low self-worth, fear of conflict, abandonment concerns.
Why can stress significantly increase relapse risk even after detox symptoms have ended?
Stress activates old coping patterns, increases cravings, impairs decision-making, and can reactivate reward pathways.