Triggers
This acronym warns you not to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
What is H.A.L.T.?
Cravings are a physical and mental "strong desire" to use, but they typically only last this many seconds or minutes.
What is 30 to 90 seconds (or "a few minutes")?
This actor known for Iron Man has become a major recovery success story.
Who is Robert Downey Jr.?
These two feelings often lead to relapse
What is boredom and loneliness?
This simple technique involves focusing on the breath or staying present to reduce stress and prevent relapse.
What is mindfulness (or deep breathing)?
Emotions like stress, anxiety, or boredom that arise from within a person.
What are internal triggers?
This is the common word used to describe the strong, "wanting" feeling or urge to use a substance.
What is a craving?
This stunt performer and comedian, known for performing dangerous pranks and stunts on the TV show Jackass, has been sober since 2008 and frequently speaks about recovery.
Who is Steve-O
Thoughts and behaviors that help manage stress and emotions
What are coping skills?
This person in a 12-step program provides guidance, shares their experience, and helps you work through the steps.
Who is a sponsor?
People, places, or things in the outside world—like an old "drinking buddy" or a familiar bar—that remind you of past use.
What are external triggers?
True or False: Cravings are permanent and will never go away once they start.
What is False? (They are like waves—they peak and then fade).
This rapper and producer has been open about his recovery and sobriety journey.
Who is Eminem
This program is known for its mindfulness principle, "one day at a time".
What is 12-step (AA/NA)?
A common psychological strategy used to identify and change negative thought patterns.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
This common state of having "nothing to do" is a frequent trigger for those in early recovery.
What is boredom?
This simple "D-word" activity involves doing something else—like watching TV or going for a walk—to take your mind off a craving.
What is Distraction?
This legendary rapper and producer helped launch the careers of Eminem and Snoop Dogg and has spoken about overcoming alcohol-related issues earlier in his life.
Who is Dr. Dre?
A detailed outline of how to positively respond and cope with situations where there is temptation to engage in substance use or other risky behaviors
What is a relapse prevention plan?
This technique involves visualizing a "switch" turning off a negative thought and replacing it with a safe, relaxing place.
What is thought stopping?
These types of events, though positive, can be triggers because they are often traditionally associated with drinking or drug use.
What are celebratory occasions (or holidays/birthdays)?
When a craving hits, you can call this person, such as a friend, family member, or sponsor, to talk through it.
What is a Support Person?
This actor from Friends has openly discussed addiction and recovery in his memoir.
Who is Matthew Perry?
Withdrawal, early abstinence, protracted abstinence, and readjustment
What are the four stages of recovery? (Roadmap to recovery)
This 12-step principle is described by the acronym H.O.W..
What are Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness?