Relapse Prevention
What are the three stages of relapse
Emotional – ignoring feelings, avoiding support; Mental – thinking about using, bargaining with oneself; Physical – actual substance use
What is a social coping strategy?
Calling a sponsor, attending a support group, spending time with sober friends
Why is it important to build a recovery network outside of the treatment setting?
To maintain long-term sobriety, access support in real-world situations, and avoid isolation
Name three long-term physical or psychological effects of chronic methamphetamine use.
Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
Skin sores and infections
Psychosis, paranoia, and hallucinations
Cognitive deficits and memory problems
Cardiovascular damage
This actor, famous for playing a TV doctor, struggled with alcohol addiction and has been an advocate for mental health.
Matthew Perry
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
A lapse is a single or brief return to use, while a relapse is a return to previous patterns of substance use
Why is it important to have multiple coping strategies in recovery?
Different triggers require different approaches; multiple strategies increase flexibility and reduce relapse risk
Why is having a structured daily routine important for maintaining recovery support?
Reduces boredom, decreases exposure to high-risk situations, and reinforces consistent healthy habits.
Why is fentanyl more dangerous than many other opioids?
It’s 50–100 times more potent than morphine, binds more strongly to opioid receptors, and small amounts can cause overdose
Hippocampus
memory and learning, storing cues/triggers.
Give one example of an internal trigger vs. an external trigger.
Internal triggers are thoughts, feelings, or physical states (e.g., stress, depression). External triggers are environmental cues (e.g., people, places, celebrations). Both can provoke cravings if not managed.)
Why is it important to practice coping skills regularly, not just during cravings?
Regular practice strengthens habit formation, reduces stress reactivity, and improves automatic use of strategies when high-risk situations arise
How can technology (apps, online communities) enhance the effectiveness of recovery and support networks?
Offers real-time support, access to meetings, reminders for coping strategies, tracking recovery progress, and reducing social isolation
What is polysubstance use, and why is it especially dangerous?
Using more than one substance at the same time; increases risk of overdose due to drug interactions, especially depressants like alcohol and opioids
This comedian and talk show host went public with his struggle with alcoholism and founded a rehab center
Drew Carey or Richard Lewis
What is the difference between a high-risk situation and a temptation situation?
High-risk situations have a higher probability of relapse; temptation situations trigger urges but may not inevitably lead to use.
A client is facing multiple triggers at once (stress, boredom, social pressure). Name three coping strategies they could use to manage all triggers effectively.
1) Engage in a healthy activity or hobby; 2) Practice mindfulness or relaxation; 3) Reach out to a support person or group
What is the difference between short-term recovery and long-term recovery?
Short-term recovery focuses on stopping substance use; long-term recovery focuses on sustaining sobriety, improving life skills, and building resilience.
True or False: Kratom is federally regulated as a controlled substance in the United States.
False – it is legal federally but banned in some states and cities.
Prefrontal Cortex
decision-making, self-control.
What is the difference between tolerance and dependence?
Tolerance = needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect; Dependence = the body adapts, leading to withdrawal if substance use stops
What is the difference between urge surfing and white-knuckling through a craving?
Urge surfing = accepting and riding out the craving mindfully until it passes; White-knuckling = resisting without addressing emotions, which often increases stress.
Double Jep!! Explain why relapse prevention and coping strategies must evolve over time for someone in long-term recovery.
Life circumstances change, new stressors and triggers arise, and evolving strategies ensure continued resilience and reduce relapse risk
Name two withdrawal symptoms commonly seen in cannabis use disorder.
Irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, anxiety, cravings
This rapper has openly discussed addiction struggles, including Xanax and alcohol, and founded initiatives to support mental health and sobriety.
Eminem