Understanding the Relapse Process
What is a "relapse?"
The process of returning to the use of alcohol or other drugs after a time of quitting. What is addiction
What is a trigger?
What is an urge/cravings?
A belief, emotion, attitude, or a reaction to a situation that puts you at risk for relapse.
What is a sponsor?
What is a "lapse?"
When you are very close to drinking, using drugs, or getting involved in criminal activity but haven't actually crossed the line.
What are social pressures?
True or false: I can control myself in high-risk. situations.
False
True or false: A sponsor must be sober for 1 year or more, be trustworthy, be objective and supportive and can be any gender.
False: They must be the same gender as you
Name the four changes before a relapse or lapse.
Changes in your behavior, attitude, feelings/moods, thoughts.
What four questions should you ask yourself every time you get an urge/craving?
1. What triggered your urge or craving?
2. What did your body do (physical signs)?
3. What were you thinking (the psychological signs)?
4. Why should I get drunk or high?
Name 3 triggers related to thoughts, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors.
Boredom, anxiety, anger, built, hopeless, shame, self-pity, loneliness, thinking of using as a reward, using as part of celebrations, lack of motivation, etc.
Identify 3 types of support.
Sponsor, therapist, family, friends, AA/NA, probation/parole, psychiatrist, etc.
Identify 3 coping skills
Any positive healthy coping skills
Name 4 of the 8 relapse triggers from the relapse trigger checklist.
1. thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors.
2. social pressures to use alcohol or other drugs.
3. problems related to your sobriety plan or treatment plan.
4. urges, cravings, temptations, or testing "control"
5. Problems in relationship with other people.
6. triggers related to relapse-oriented or addictive personality traits.
7. triggers related to your physical, emotional, and mental health.
8. miscellaneous other triggers
Identify 3 triggers related to physical, emotional and mental health.
chronic physical problems, unhealthy lifestyle, mood swings, history of mental or emotional health problems, history of long-term regular use of alcohol or other drugs, workplace environment that has solvents, inks, dyes, etc.
What are 3 red flags on someone who would not be a positive support in your life?
They are still using, they do not support your recovery, they are negative towards you/your recovery, they are a trigger, etc.
Give an example of 1 of your negative thoughts and turn it into a positive affirmation.
Example:
"I'm a failure" to "I have made mistakes but can learn and grow from them."
Identify the 4 ways to handle urges and cravings.
1. Talk with others
2. Redirect your activity
3. Change your thoughts
4. Avoid threatening situations
Identify 1 trigger related to relapse oriented or addictive personality traits, and behaviors and describe 2 things you can do as part of your relapse prevention plan.
Example:
Trigger: Needing excitement
Relapse prevention:
1. Go skydiving
2. Set up monthly trips to new places: Six Flags
Identify the 5 tips to successfully complete probation/parole.
1. Be honest.
2. Discuss your problems.
3. Follow your relapse prevention or treatment plan.
4. Follow your supervising agent's directions.
5. Keep all appointments and commitments.