Relapse Triggers
What does HALT stand for?
HUNGRY ANGRY LONELY TIRED!
This breathing technique can reduce stress and slow your heart rate.
Deep breathing
This term means taking ownership of your behaviors and actions, even when it's uncomfortable.
Accountability
Emotional numbness or detachment from feelings is often a symptom of this past experience.
Trauma
This daily practice increases gratitude and improves emotional stability.
Gratitude journal or reflection practice
This type of place can remind someone of using substances.
High-risk environment.
This coping skill helps you stay present and aware without judgment.
Mindfulness
This is the most common cause of relapse, according to research.
Lack of coping skills and poor stress management
This defense mechanism involves shifting blame or responsibility to avoid emotional discomfort.
Projection
Staying connected to others helps prevent this relapse risk factor.
Isolation
This emotional state is a common internal trigger for relapse.
Stress and anxiety
This technique involves noticing your thought, challenging it, and replacing it with a healthier one.
Cognitive restructuring
What does PAWS stand for and what does it impact?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome; it affects mood, energy, focus, and sleep
Accepting your emotions without judgment is often referred to as?
Emotional acceptance or radical acceptance; mindfulness
These habits improve brain health and neuroplasticity in early recovery. Name two.
Sleep, exercise or mindfulness
The brain’s reward system changes due to addiction, affecting this specific neurotransmitter.
Dopamine
Saying "no" confidently to someone offering substances is this type of skill.
Assertiveness
This relapse risk factor involves romanticizing past substance use.
Euphoric recall or mental relapse
This is the difference between reacting emotionally and responding intentionally.
Emotional regulations and emotional reactivity
This term refers to setting small, manageable actions that align with long-term goals.
"SMART" goal setting
This type of relapse happens before someone uses again.
Emotional relapse
This metaphor is used to describe how to "ride out" a craving.
Urge surfing
Name 3 protective factors that reduce the risk of relapse.
Strong support system, healthy coping skills, and structured routine
When a person feels two conflicting emotions at the same time, it's called this.
Emotional ambivalence;
Ambivalence refers to having conflicting feelings or emotions towards the same subject, object, or idea. It's a state of having both positive and negative feelings simultaneously, leading to a sense of mixed emotions or indecisiveness. Ambivalence is a common experience, especially in relationships or when facing important decisions.
What is the "window of tolerance" and how is it used to guide recovery activities?
Optimal arousal zone for functioning-staying within it helps prevent emotional overwhelm or shutdown