Recovery Skills
Triggers
Coping Skills
H.A.L.T.
Warning Signs
100
Which skill can help someone build awareness of thoughts and emotions in the present moment?
A. Mindfulness
B. Avoidance
C. Isolation
D. Denial
A. Mindfulness
100
Which of the following is an example of an internal trigger?
A. Driving past a bar
B. Feeling lonely
C. Seeing an old friend
D. Hearing a certain song
B. Feeling lonely
100
This mental strategy involves picturing the negative consequences of using from start to finish.
a. Seeing into the future
b. Rolling the Tape Forward
c. Being a psychic
What is Rolling the Tape Forward?
100
The 'H' in H.A.L.T. reminds individuals that skipping meals can mimic the physical anxiety of a craving.
What is Hungry?
100
This defense mechanism involves insisting a problem does not exist despite clear evidence.
a. Avoidance
b. Denial
c. Acceptance
What is Denial?
200
Which communication style clearly expresses needs while respecting others?
A. Passive
B. Aggressive
C. Assertive
D. Avoidant
C. Assertive
200
Which is an example of an external trigger?
A. Anxiety
B. Shame
C. Seeing drug paraphernalia
D. Feeling overwhelmed
C. Seeing drug paraphernalia
200
This term means waiting out a craving for 15–20 minutes, knowing it will peak and fade like a wave.
(Hint discussed this in yesterday's AM Women group)
What is Urge Surfing?
200
The 'A' in H.A.L.T. represents this powerful emotion that often hides fear or sadness.
What is Angry?
200
Someone starts saying, “My substance use really wasn't that bad.” This may be an example of:
A. Healthy acceptance
B. Minimizing past consequences
C. Grounding
D. Assertive communication
B. Minimizing past consequences
300
What is a healthy recovery boundary?
A. Avoiding every difficult conversation
B. Saying no to people or situations that threaten your recovery
C. Controlling another person's choices
D. Ignoring your own needs
B. Saying no to people or situations that threaten your recovery
300
This brain chemical spikes when exposed to a trigger, driving the intense desire to use.
What is Dopamine?
300
This technique uses things you see, you feel, you hear, you smell, and you taste.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique?
300
The 'L' in H.A.L.T. highlights the danger of cutting oneself off from supportive friends or family.
What is Lonely?
300
Which change may signal increased relapse risk?
A. Becoming more honest
B. Building a support system
C. Stopping previously helpful recovery activities
D. Practicing mindfulness
C. Stopping previously helpful recovery activities
400
Why is asking for help considered a recovery skill?
A. It shows weakness
B. It prevents someone from solving problems independently
C. It allows support to be used before problems become more serious
D. It guarantees problems will disappear
C. It allows support to be used before problems become more serious
400
A person gets into an argument and immediately begins thinking about using. What is the most likely trigger?
A. Conflict and emotional distress
B. Hunger only
C. Having too much free time
D. Their treatment schedule
A. Conflict and emotional distress
400
You become angry after receiving criticism. Which response would be healthiest?
A. Immediately argue back
B. Leave treatment
C. Pause, breathe, and think before responding
D. Bottle everything up
C. Pause, breathe, and think before responding
400
The 'T' in H.A.L.T. emphasizes how a lack of sleep impairs judgment and increases impulsivity.
What is Tired?
400
A person becomes increasingly irritable, isolates, and stops talking about their problems. What would be the healthiest response?
A. Ignore the changes
B. Wait until the urge becomes severe
C. Recognize the warning signs and reach out for support
D. Leave treatment
C. Recognize the warning signs and reach out for support
500
Which is the strongest example of accountability?
A. Blaming someone else for your behavior
B. Admitting your behavior, accepting consequences, and identifying how to respond differently
C. Avoiding the conversation
D. Making excuses
B. Admitting your behavior, accepting consequences, and identifying how to respond differently
500
Which situation contains both an internal and external trigger?
A. Feeling anxious while visiting an area where you previously used substances
B. Eating breakfast
C. Sleeping eight hours
D. Attending a counseling session
A. Feeling anxious while visiting an area where you previously used substances
500
This communication strategy involves speaking up honestly and directly before resentment triggers a relapse.
A. Direct Honesty
B. Appropriate Humor
C. Assertive Communication
D. Sarcastic Communication
What is Assertive Communication?
500
To counter the 'L' in H.A.L.T., a person in recovery should build and utilize this network.
What is a Support System (or Recovery Network)?
500
This term describes the shift back into old, toxic thinking patterns before any substance is actually consumed.
a. Old Head
b. Cognitive Distortions
c. Dry Drunk
What is Dry Drunk (or Stinking Thinking)?