Triggers
Name one common relapse trigger
Examples include stress, boredom, loneliness, conflict, celebrations, money, seeing old friends, certain places
Name one healthy coping skill.
Name one emotional warning sign that may come before relapse.
Examples: Irritability Anxiety Isolation Hopelessness
Name one person who can support recovery.
Answer vary
Name one healthy habit that supports recovery.
Answers vary
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry Angry Lonely Tired
Deep breathing primarily helps regulate which system in the body?
The nervous system (helps activate the relaxation response)
Which comes first? A. Using substances B. Emotional relapse
Emotional relapse.
Why is accountability helpful?
It helps identify problems early and encourages healthy choices.
Why is sleep important in recovery?
Poor sleep increases stress, impulsivity, and cravings.
Someone drives past a neighborhood where they used substances and suddenly experiences cravings. What type of trigger is this?
Environmental trigger
Name three grounding techniques.
Possible answers: 5-4-3-2-1 Deep breathing Cold water Naming objects in the room Progressive muscle relaxation
Name two signs that someone may be isolating.
Answers may vary
What's the difference between a supportive friend and an enabling friend?
Supportive friends encourage recovery and healthy choices; enabling friends remove consequences or support unhealthy behaviors.
Finish the sentence: Recovery is more than not using substances, it is __________.
Possible answers: Building a healthy life, Healing, Creating balance, Personal growth
True or False: Avoiding every trigger forever is the best relapse prevention strategy.
False. Learning healthy coping skills is more effective than trying to eliminate every trigger.
Why is asking for help considered a strength rather than a weakness?
It increases accountability, support, and problem-solving before situations worsen.
Someone stops attending meetings, quits calling their sponsor, and begins thinking "I've got this." Which warning sign is this?
Loss of support/overconfidence.
Name four people or resources that could be included in a relapse prevention plan.
Examples: Sponsor Therapist Peer Family member Crisis line Recovery meeting Case manager
Name four self-care activities that reduce relapse risk.
Answers may include: Exercise, Healthy eating, Meditation, Hobbies, Spending time outdoors, Connecting with others, Journaling
Give three healthy responses to experiencing a craving.
Examples: Call a support person Leave the situation Practice grounding Go for a walk Attend a meeting Journal Distract yourself with a healthy activity
Describe a healthy plan for handling a high-risk situation.
Possible answer includes: Recognize the trigger Leave if needed Contact support Use coping skills Follow up afterward
Explain three different stages of relapse.
Answer: Emotional Mental Physical
What should you do if you think you're about to relapse?
Answers may include: Tell someone immediately, Leave the situation, Remove access, Use coping skills, Attend a meeting, Contact treatment providers
Imagine you've had an extremely stressful week and are experiencing strong cravings. Walk the group through your personal relapse prevention plan.