Triggers
What is a trigger in the context of substance use recovery?
What is something that causes cravings or urges to use substances?
What is a coping skill?
What is a strategy or activity used to manage stress or cravings?
What is a support system?
What is a group of people who help you stay sober and provide encouragement?
Define a high-risk situation.
What is a situation where you’re more likely to relapse?
True or False: Relapse means treatment has failed.
What is False?
Relapse is often part of the recovery journey. It doesn’t mean failure—it’s a signal that something in your recovery plan needs to be adjusted. Many people relapse and still go on to achieve long-term recovery.
Name 3 internal triggers.
What is feeling stressed, anxious, or bored?
Name 3 healthy coping skills you can use when feeling triggered to use substances.
What is exercise, journaling, talking to a friend, or mindfulness?
Name 3 people who could be part of your support system.
What is a sponsor, therapist, family member, or sober friend?
Name 3 common high-risk situations.
This neurotransmitter, often called the "feel-good chemical," plays a major role in the brain's reward system and is heavily involved in addiction and relapse.
What is dopamine?
Name 3 external triggers.
What is being around people who use substances or visiting places associated with past use, or smelling or seeing something that reminds you of a painful memory or substance use itself?
What is grounding and how can it help?
What is a technique to bring your focus to the present moment and it can reduce anxiety?
This term describes a support system composed of people who have shared experiences with addiction.
What is a peer support group?
Two well known types of peer support groups are AA and NA.
This intense feeling, often stemming from unresolved trauma or conflict, can cloud judgment and increase vulnerability to relapse.
What is anger?
Anger can quickly trigger the fight, flight, or freeze response due to a heightened stress system. This reaction may lead to impulsive behaviors or emotional shutdown, making it harder to manage cravings and stay grounded in recovery.
What is the first stage of relapse?
What is emotional relapse?
Emotional relapse is the first stage in the relapse process, where a person isn’t thinking about using substances but begins to experience negative emotions and behaviors—like isolation, poor self-care, and bottling up feelings—that can set the stage for future relapse. Recognizing and addressing these signs early through support, self-care, and coping strategies can prevent progression to mental or physical relapse.
True or False: Triggers can be both emotional and environmental.
What is True?
This boundary-setting skill helps protect recovery from enabling relationships.
What is assertive communication?
This is the act of protecting an addict from facing the natural negative consequences of their actions. It is an unhealthy dynamic.
What is enabling?
In early addiction recovery, it's crucial to recognize and address relationships that enable substance use. This involves identifying enabling behaviors, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking support from people who encourage sobriety. Educating loved ones and working with a counselor can also help shift relationship dynamics toward healing and accountability.
How can planning ahead help you minimize the risk for relapse high-risk situations?
What is by identifying potential risks and preparing coping strategies?
This phenomenon describes how the brain's ability to experience pleasure is reduced after prolonged substance use.
What is anhedonia?
Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, can undermine motivation for recovery by making once-enjoyable sober activities feel meaningless, increasing emotional distress. This emotional void may drive individuals to seek relief through substance use, heightening the risk of relapse.
What are 3 strategies to manage a trigger when it occurs?
What is using coping skills like deep breathing, calling a support person, or leaving the situation?
This technique helps reframe negative thoughts and is often used in CBT.
What is cognitive restructuring?
Cognitive restructuring is a therapeutic technique that helps individuals identify, challenge, and replace negative or distorted thoughts with more balanced and constructive ones.
What are the 4 dimensions of recovery according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)?
What is health, home, purpose, and community?
What does the acronym HALT stand for?
What is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired?
According to research, relapse rates for substance use disorders are most comparable to those of this chronic medical condition, highlighting the need for ongoing management.
What is diabetes?
Both are chronic conditions that can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, and a person's difficulty in complying with treatment can lead to a return of symptoms.