Triggers & Tools Card Sort Game

Flashcards covering triggers and corresponding healthy coping tools for managing urges in recovery.

Trigger

A situation or event that can provoke cravings or urges, potentially leading to high-risk behaviors.

Tool

Healthy coping strategies to deal with triggers, helping to prevent relapse.

Payday

A potential trigger related to receiving money that may lead to high-risk behavior.

Feeling lonely

An emotional state that can trigger cravings or urges for substances.

An argument with family

A conflict that may provoke feelings leading to a desire to use substances.

Craving or urge

A strong desire for substances that can be triggered by various situations.

Running into someone from your using past

Encountering a person associated with past substance use that may provoke cravings.

Boredom

A state of disinterest that can trigger a desire to engage in substance use.

Celebrations or parties

Social events that may trigger the urge to use substances in social settings.

Feeling anxious

An emotion that can act as a trigger for substance cravings.

Free time with no plans

Unstructured time that may lead to triggers and unhealthy coping behavior.

Lack of sleep

Fatigue that can heighten emotional states and trigger cravings.

Skipping meals

A behavior that may lead to physical and emotional distress, triggering a desire to use.

Not going to a meeting

Avoiding support systems that can increase the likelihood of triggering urges.

Getting a phone call from a toxic person

Contact with negative influences that can trigger cravings.

Call my sponsor or support person

A tool to manage triggers by seeking support from someone in recovery.

Go to a recovery meeting

A tool that involves attending support meetings to handle triggers effectively.

Practice deep breathing or grounding

Mindfulness techniques used to manage anxiety and urges.

Journal how I feel

A reflective tool to express emotions and manage triggers.

Go for a walk or exercise

Physical activity used as a coping strategy to address triggers.

Watch a comfort show or movie

A form of distraction to cope with emotional distress or triggers.

Listen to uplifting music

Using music as a positive distraction during challenging emotional times.

Text a recovery friend

Reaching out to someone who understands recovery to navigate triggers.

Review my safety plan

Going over personal strategies to stay safe and avoid high-risk situations.

Avoid the situation altogether

A proactive strategy to manage triggers effectively.

Eat a healthy meal or snack

Nutrition as a tool to improve mood and reduce cravings.

Take a nap or rest

Rest as a healthy coping tool to recover from stress and manage triggers.

Use affirmations or mantras

Positive statements to counter negative thoughts and urges.

Use a distraction (color, game, book)

Engaging in hobbies to divert attention from triggers.