Triggers
Name one common internal trigger in early recovery.
Stress, loneliness, shame, boredom, anxiety
Name one grounding tool to reduce anxiety or cravings.
Deep breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 senses technique, touching a grounding object
A triumph that doesn’t involve complete abstinence?
Skipping one drink, saying “no” once, choosing to leave a triggering situation
I’m not a person or place, but I can lead you to relapse.
A thought or feeling
Act out a trigger + tool. (Open-ended)
Example:
Trigger = argument,
Tool = calling sponsor
What kind of trigger might payday represent?
An external trigger tied to routine, access to money that reminds someone of previous substance use
One healthy distraction tool that doesn’t involve technology?
Going for a walk, drawing, writing, calling a friend, making tea, doing chores
One moment this week you felt proud?
One moment this week you felt proud?back, went to a meeting, stayed home when tempted, opened up in group
I’m a short, positive sentence you tell yourself in tough moments. I start with “I can...” or “I am...”
An affirmation
Match trigger to tool:
Anger → ?
Deep breathing, grounding, counting to 10, walking away
True or False: Triggers are always external.
False – Triggers can be internal (thoughts, emotions) or external (places, people)
"Triggered at a party"
What’s a tool that can be used?
Texting a sponsor, stepping outside, leaving early, reminding yourself of why you’re sober
“Name That Triumph” – vague scenario:
“Someone was honest about a relapse.
Honesty and accountability
Unscramble this common phrase in recovery: “TONEDAAYTIEMA”
One Day at a Time
Fantasy vs. Reality thought during cravings?
Fantasy: “One drink won’t hurt.” Reality: “One drink could restart a cycle I worked hard to leave.”
Give two examples of sneaky triggers.
Positive emotions (celebration), music, places that used to feel safe, sudden free time
What’s the difference between a tool and an avoidance tactic?
A tool helps you face and manage emotions; avoidance numbs or suppresses them without growth (e.g., watching TV for hours to avoid feeling is avoidance)
Three signs of progress often overlooked?
Asking for help, staying present during emotions, catching a negative thought before acting on it
The more you ignore me, the louder I get. But if you face me, I shrink. What am I?
A craving
Create a 1-sentence story using all three: Trigger, Tool, Triumph.
“I was triggered after a fight, so I journaled and walked instead of using—that was a huge win.”
Describe how HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) can act as a cluster of triggers.
When basic needs aren’t met, emotional regulation weakens, making cravings or impulsive decisions more likely. Each part of HALT can compound stress and trigger use.
Name three coping tools for emotional triggers.
Journaling emotions, mindfulness meditation, talking to someone safe, exercising, praying
Recreate a real triumph and narrate
One person narrates a “day in the life” where they overcame temptation or made a positive choice.
The rest act it out like a short play.
Bonus: Add a “slow-motion victory pose” at the end!
I’m not your enemy, but I can feel overwhelming. You must sit with me to heal. What am I?
A difficult emotion (e.g., sadness, anger, grief)
Create your own “Trigger, Tool, Triumph” mini skit and act it out in under 1 minute!
Example Two friends reenact: Payday trigger → calling sponsor → going to a meeting = triumph