Triggers
This emotional trigger happens when someone feels alone or disconnected from others.
What is Loneliness?
The process of identifying warning signs and creating strategies to avoid returning to substance use.
What is relapse prevention?
Writing down thoughts and feelings to process emotions in recovery.
What is journaling?
This disease affects the brain’s reward and decision-making system.
What is addiction?
A physical activity that helps reduce stress and improve mood.
What is exercise?
This trigger often occurs when someone has too much free time and nothing structured to do.
What is boredom?
The first stage of relapse where emotions and stress begin building before thoughts of using appear.
What is emotional relapse?
A grounding technique using the five senses to reduce anxiety.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique?
This brain chemical is heavily involved in pleasure and reward.
What is dopamine?
A relaxation technique that focuses on breathing and awareness.
What is meditation (or mindfulness)?
This trigger involves returning to places where someone used to drink or use drugs.
What are environmental triggers?
A written strategy outlining triggers, coping skills, and support systems.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
Attending meetings like AA or NA regularly for support.
What are recovery meetings?
This happens when someone needs more of a substance to get the same effect.
What is tolerance?
Spending time with people who support your sobriety.
What is a healthy support system?
This trigger can occur during celebrations, holidays, or parties where substances are present.
What are social triggers?
A person you can call when cravings become overwhelming.
Who is a sponsor (or support person)?
Talking with a therapist or counselor to work through underlying issues.
What is counseling (or therapy)?
These symptoms can occur when someone stops using a substance suddenly.
What is withdrawal?
Creative activities like drawing, music, or writing used to express emotions.
What is creative expression?
This type of trigger happens when someone experiences overwhelming stress or anxiety.
What are emotional triggers?
The stage of relapse where someone begins thinking about using again.
What is mental relapse?
Calling someone in your recovery network when you're struggling.
What is reaching out for support?
The medical model considers addiction this type of condition.
What is a chronic disease?
Setting limits with people or situations that threaten your recovery.
What are boundaries?