Slippery Slope
True or False:
Spending time with people who still use even if you're in recovery is a slippery slope.
True!
If someone in recovery continues to spend time with people who are still using, it's all too easy to slip up and join in on the substance use. "Keeping the same playmates and playgrounds."
This coping skill is known for releasing endorphins.
"Sick and tired of being...
What is "sick and tired?"
This is a common high-risk situation for relapse.
What is being around people who use substances, also known as "people, places, and things?"
This is a person who can guide you through the 12-steps and is someone you can call when you need support, advice, or encouragement.
What is a sponsor?
True or False:
Entering into a romantic relationship within the first year of recovery can be a slippery slope.
True!
The first year of recovery requires focus on one's own health and sobriety. Being swept away in a passionate love affair will definitely lower the motivation to develop new habits of recovery. If a break-up happens, chances are good that substances may be used to ease the pain.
Doing something to get your mind off things (take a walk, go to the gym, hobbies)
What is a distraction?
This mantra emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present moment. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and by doing this, it becomes more manageable and less overwhelming. This quote reminds us to overcome the temptation to dwell on the past or worry about the future, and instead, to stay grounded and focused on the actions we can take today.
What is, "One day at a time?"
_____ can be a slippery slope if you’re not ready to tackle it head-on. When feeling _____, individuals may be more likely to seek out activities or substances that provide temporary relief or excitement, leading to a return to addictive behaviors.
What is boredom?
Something that pushes us toward achieving our goals. Energizing force that prompts you to action and is linked to what we choose to pursue and how we pursue it.
What is Motivation?
True or False:
Attending a variety of recovery support meetings within the first year of recovery could become a slippery slope.
False!
Actively engaging in a program of recovery by attending recovery support meetings is crucial to maintaining sobriety especially in early recovery.
By creating this, individuals can develop strategies to avoid or cope with high-risk situations including avoiding triggering environments, using distraction techniques, or reaching out to a support system when encountering high-risk situations.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
"My worst days in recovery are better than...
What are "my best days in relapse?"
These types of triggers focus on depression, anxiety, anger, and other emotions.
What are internal triggers?
Promotes feelings of happiness, pleasure and well-being. This makes us want to repeat the behavior in order to get that hit of positivity or feel good.
What are rewards?
True or False:
Drinking non-alcoholic beverages such as non-alcoholic beer can help recovering alcoholics feel included in social situations that involve drinking and would not be considered a "slippery slope" in recovery.
False!
Non-alcoholic beer is not recommended for people in recovery as it may contain small amounts of alcohol that can trigger cravings and relapse. I may also reinforce the habit of drinking and make it harder to avoid temptation.
True or False:
The key to relapse prevention is understanding that relapse happens gradually.
What is true?
"My recovery must come first so that everything I love in life...
What is "does not have to come last?"
A reluctance/avoidance in connecting with your support system or reaching out for help.
What is isolation?
A powerful desire for something.
What is craving?
True or False:
The use of medical marijuana in addition recovery is an effective way to help those in recovery adjust to sobriety and not considered a slippery slope.
False!
For someone looking to stay sober, the use of medical marijuana could be a dangerous risk to take because it could result in a new addictive substance. Marijuana use could also act a trigger which could lead to intense cravings. Know your risks!
***************DAILY DOUBLE****************
One of the most common & effective coping skills a person in early recovery can develop is this string of behaviors characterized by "a sequence of actions regularly followed"
What is structure or routine?
"Every day in recovery is a gift, that's why we call it...
What is "the present?"
Keeping triggers to yourself and not talking about is known as what?
What is Suffering in Silence or Silent Suffering?
True or False: cravings happen randomly.
FALSE! Cravings occur after a trigger such as person, place or thing...you may not be aware of the trigger which is why it may seem "random".