Communication in Recovery
What are the two basic parts of communication?
Listening and speaking
True or false: Being argumentive can block effective communication.
True
What communication skill means paying attention instead of planning what you will say next?
Listening
Which family role uses humor to relieve stress and tension?
The Mascot.
What is it called when someone becomes overly focused on another person's needs and problems?
Codependency.
Why is honest communication important during recovery?
It allows people to share what they are going through and receive support.
What is wrong with trying to win an argument by simply talking more and more?
It can prevent listening and understanding
Conversations should be a two-way ______.
Street
Which role tries to stay unnoticed and out of family conflict?
The lost child.
A person constantly puts other people's needs before their own. What can this be a sign of?
Codependency/caretaking behavior.
Name one person someone in recovery could communicate with as part of a sober support network
Sponsor, family member, friend, counselor, peer, etc.
Someone immediately reacts angrily without thinking about what was actually said. What communication roadblock does this show?
Speaking rashly/being too quick to speak
What does finding a compromise mean?
Working toward a solution where both people's needs or viewpoints are considered.
Which family role works hard, achieves, and tries to bring pride or esteem to the family?
The Hero
Someone says "yes" to everything even when they don't want to and has difficulty asserting their rights. What issue might this show?
Weak boundaries/codependent behavior.
How can good communication help prevent relapse?
It helps someone express feelings, ask for support, discuss warning signs, and maintain healthy relationships.
Why can sarcasm or harsh words damage communication?
They can minimize or hurt the other person and increase conflict.
During an argument, someone stops preparing their comeback and genuinely listens to the other person's side. What skill are they practicing?
Active/effective listening.
A family member repeatedly makes excuses for a person's substance use and handles responsibilities for them. Which role is this?
The Caretaker/Enabler.
Someone feels responsible for fixing everyone else's problems and becomes angry when their help isn't accepted. What pattern does this describe?
A control/care-taking pattern of codepedicity.
A person notices relapse warning signs but is embarrassed to tell anyone. What communication change could strengthen their recovery?
Honestly communicating the warning signs and asking their support network for help
During a disagreement, someone keeps repeating their opinion, raises their voice, and doesn't listen. Name two communication roadblocks.
Examples include being argumentative, speaking harshly, increasing word count, not listening, or focusing only on their opinion.
Two people strongly disagree. One listens, remains calm, speaks honestly and respectfully, and seeks common ground. Name two healthy communication skills being used.
Listening, being gentle/patient, respectful honesty, empathy, compromise, etc.
Someone rarely speaks about family problems, stays out of the way, and feels safer being "neither seen nor heard." Which role fits best?
The lost child
Someone ignores their needs, feels responsible for everyone else's emotions, has trouble saying no, and believes they must be needed to maintain relationships. What overall pattern does this describe?
Codependency.