Addiction Recovery / GRP053
Urge Delay Toolbox
Prepare several low-risk ways to use a short delay while contacting chosen support.
30 minutes / 3-12 participants / Adults with appropriate facilitation
Download facilitator PDF · Download participant handout · Open activity / add to session
UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
Recovery includes context, care, and choice.
Substance-related patterns can involve learned cues, short-term relief, habits, relationships, and access to care. A return to use does not explain someone's whole recovery. Use the activity to identify one pattern and a feasible support rather than making abstinence or disclosure a group competition.
Facilitation lens: Ask what function the behavior serves and what support could meet that need more safely. Medication and medical care are not replaced by a group exercise.
Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.
Try a different interactive experience in the Activity Lab →
Materials
Paper or a printable handout, Pens or an accessible writing alternative, Optional blank cards or simple drawing materials
Fictional example
A fictional person notices an unexpected urge after work.
Invite and agree - 3 minutes
Name the purpose and the right to pass, observe, write, or use fiction. Agree that people share only their own experiences and do not promise absolute group confidentiality.
Introduce the example - 3 minutes
A fictional person notices an unexpected urge after work. Ask what is known and what is still a guess.
Practice: Planning workshop - 17 minutes
Prepare several low-risk ways to use a short delay while contacting chosen support. Sketch several possible responses, compare access and likely tradeoffs, and choose one adjustable plan with a backup.
Reflect together - 4 minutes
Which option is available without extra money? Ask what fit, what did not fit, and what would make the exercise more accessible. Do not interpret another person's response.
Choose a next step - 3 minutes
Invite one optional action, support request, or question to carry forward. Passing is a valid closing response. Confirm how to seek appropriate support outside the activity.
Adaptations and fit
Read the example aloud or offer written instructions. Allow typing, pointing, drawing, listening, and a support person where appropriate. Avoid mandatory movement, touch, or eye contact.
Use fictional, low-intensity examples; do not recreate substance-use cues or give withdrawal or medication advice. Follow individualized care plans.
Conceptual reading and review status
Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending. Sources inform general facilitation principles; they do not validate or endorse this original plan.