Slippery Slopes
Name one healthy activity you can do to distract yourself during a craving.
Examples: call a sponsor, go for a walk, read a recovery book, attend a meeting, talk to a sober friend, or journal.
What is one difference between a big decision and a small decision?
A big decision has lasting consequences or affects major areas of life (like housing or employment); a small decision has little long-term impact (like what to eat or wear).
What does the acronym PAWS stand for?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Why is it important to keep your day full in early recovery?
To reduce the chance of relapse by avoiding idle time.
What are the Twelve Steps originally from?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
What are two types of high-risk situations that can trigger relapse?
Being alone for long periods and being around people or places where you used to use. (Other acceptable answers include payday, weekends, stressful events, or parties.)
Name one strength and one weakness of the “Go With Your Gut” decision-making style.
Strength: Acts quickly or based on instinct.
Weakness: May not think things through and can make impulsive or risky choices.
Name one emotional symptom that can happen during PAWS.
Examples: anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, emotional numbness, panic, emotional sensitivity.
Name one high-risk time or situation that should be planned around.
Examples: Payday, weekends, being alone, parties, old using friends.
What is the first thing we admit in Step One?
That we are powerless over alcohol or drugs.
What are cognitive distortions?
Inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts that distort reality and can lead to negative emotions or behaviors.
What is one healthy communication skill that can help resolve a conflict?
Examples: Using “I” statements, active listening, taking a break when emotions are high, staying respectful, or expressing needs clearly.
According to your PAWS education, how long can symptoms last after stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines?
6 to 12 months
What is one healthy thing you can do if you’re alone and feel triggered?
Examples: Call someone, go to a meeting, exercise, journal, distract yourself.
What does Step Two say can restore us to sanity?
A Power greater than ourselves.
What are two things you can do before entering a high-risk or stressful situation to protect your recovery?
Examples:
Call a sponsor or friend in recovery
Make a plan for how you’ll handle it
Practice breathing or meditation
Decide on an escape plan
Set a clear boundary
What does it mean to have a “balanced” decision-making style?
Using a combination of thinking, checking with others, taking time, and listening to your feelings — instead of relying too much on just one style.
What is one physical or nutritional strategy you can use to manage PAWS?
Examples: eat balanced meals, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, limit caffeine/sugar, gentle exercise.
If you must go into a high-risk situation, what should you do first?
Make a plan — like bringing someone, having an escape route, or calling before/after.
What do Steps Four through Nine help us do?
Take action to change and heal our behavior and relationships.
What should you do if you notice you’re having a craving thought like “I might as well relapse”?
Label it as a thought (e.g., “My brain is telling me this”), use a coping strategy (e.g., distraction, calling someone), and challenge the thought using logic or humor (e.g., repeat it in a silly voice, scramble the words).
What is one way to improve your decision-making skills, according to the workbook?
Examples: Practice making small decisions, learn from past choices, take time to consider options, identify your style, or get feedback from trusted people.
Name two nutrients or foods that support brain healing and mood during recovery from PAWS.
Examples:
Omega-3s (salmon, flaxseed)
B-vitamins (leafy greens, legumes)
Magnesium and zinc (pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate)
Protein (eggs, hummus, trail mix)
Name three things that should be in a healthy daily schedule.
Any 3: Recovery time, work/school, sleep, meals, exercise, self-care, support contact.
Which step asks us to take a “searching and fearless moral inventory” of ourselves?
Step Four