Communication 101
What are the three basic communication Styles?
Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive
A peer does something that annoys you. What's usually better: talking directly and respectfully to them or complaining about them to everyone else?
Talking directly and respectfully to the person.
TRUE OR FALSE: Staff members are always right because they're staff.
FALSE. Staff can make mistakes too.
Name ONE physical or emotional sign that you're becoming angry.
Examples: racing heart, clenched fists, raised voice, sweating, pacing, feeling hot, irritation, wanting to yell.
Your boss tells you to do something you don't like. What's a better response than immediately arguing?
Ask questions, clarify expectations, and communicate your concerns respectfully.
What communication style allows you to express your feelings and needs clearly while still respecting the other person?
Assertive communication.
A roommate keeps doing something that bothers you. Give an assertive way to address it.
Example: “Can we talk about something that's been bothering me? I'd like for us to figure out a solution.”
If you don't understand a staff member's decision, what should you do before assuming they're against you?
Ask for clarification and calmly explain your concern.
What's something you can do BEFORE responding when you're extremely angry?
Pause, breathe, walk away temporarily, ask for space, pray, use a coping skill, or talk when calmer.
Your partner says, “I still don't trust you after everything that's happened.” What's a healthy response?
Listen, acknowledge their feelings, communicate calmly, and recognize that rebuilding trust may take time and consistent actions.
Instead of saying, “You always make me mad,” what type of statement could you use?
An “I” statement: “I feel frustrated when ___ because ___.”
Someone tells you another patient has been talking about you. What should you avoid doing?
Immediately reacting, threatening them, spreading more gossip, or assuming the information is completely accurate.
A staff member tells you “no” to something you really want. Does that automatically mean they're disrespecting you?
NO. Disagreeing with a decision is different from being disrespected. Ask for the reason and advocate appropriately.
Someone curses at you. TRUE OR FALSE: You have to curse back or you're letting them disrespect you.
FALSE. You can establish a firm boundary without matching their behavior.
You're having a terrible day in recovery. Does that give you permission to treat everyone around you badly?
NO. Feelings are valid, but we're still responsible for how we communicate and behave.
What's the difference between hearing someone and actively listening to them?
Hearing is receiving the words; active listening means paying attention, trying to understand, and responding appropriately.
A peer interrupts you and says, “Man, shut up. Nobody cares.” What can you say without becoming disrespectful yourself?
Example: “I don't appreciate being spoken to like that. I'll listen to you, but I expect the same respect when I'm speaking.”
A staff member speaks to you with an attitude. What part of the situation do you still control?
Your own response, words, tone, behavior, and decision about what to do next.
What's the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is often immediate and emotion-driven. Responding involves thinking about what you're going to say or do before acting.
Someone brings up something you did during active addiction. You feel ashamed and immediately get defensive. What's a healthier response?
Pause, listen, acknowledge what is true, communicate your feelings, take accountability where appropriate, and set boundaries if the conversation becomes unhealthy.
TRUE OR FALSE: Positive communication means remaining calm and agreeing with the other person.
FALSE. You can strongly disagree, advocate for yourself, and set boundaries while communicating respectfully.
A peer is clearly wrong but refuses to admit it. You've explained yourself twice. What might be the healthiest next move?
Stop arguing. Set a boundary, disengage, or agree to disagree. Being right doesn't mean you have to win the argument.
You believe a staff member is 100% wrong, and they won't change their answer. How can you advocate for yourself without becoming disrespectful?
Remain calm, explain your concern, ask for clarification, request another appropriate staff member/supervisor if necessary, and use the proper grievance/communication process rather than escalating the conflict.
Someone intentionally says the ONE thing they know will make you angry. You realize they're trying to provoke you. What's the power move?
Don't give them control over your behavior. Pause, disengage, set a boundary, and choose your response intentionally.
Why can communication skills actually help prevent relapse?
Healthy communication helps people express needs, ask for help, resolve conflict, establish boundaries, manage emotions, and use support instead of isolating or returning to old coping behaviors.