When dealing with substance use and mental
health issues it is important to make positive lifestyle changes. However, it
is just as important to make sure to avoid repeating past mistakes, especially
ones that can derail your progress. One way that we can prevent repeating our
mistakes is to see the warning signs or “red flags” ahead of time and
then change our course in time to prevent making a bad decision. This exercise
is about recognizing some red flags in life and then coming up with a personal
plan to prevent negative decisions so we can stay on the positive course toward
forward progress.
Opening Exercise - Directions – Review this list below and consider the following points for each one
and discuss your answers:
Have you heard this before? If so, what were the circumstances?
What red flags come to mind? What potential concerns may be
present when you hear this kind of statement?
12 “Don’t worry” Phrases that Should
Potentially Trigger Worry -
(…Or at least trigger some legitimate concern
because of potential red flags)
Have you ever heard someone say…?
“Don’t worry, there’s no way we’ll get
caught”
“Don’t worry, this is 100% a sure thing”
“Don’t worry you have absolutely nothing to
lose”
“Don’t worry that was the past, I’ve changed”
“Don’t worry, there is no chance (I/you) will
get pregnant”
“Don’t worry I know I did it to all of them,
but I won’t do it to you”
“Don’t
worry, if something goes wrong and we get caught, I will just say it’s all my
fault”
“Don’t
worry, even though I may look a little off, I am in complete control”
“Don’t
worry, all of those warnings are just there to scare people”
“Don’t
worry I know you caught me, but this was the actually first and only time I
ever did this”
“Don’t
worry, I know you found out, but I promise was going to tell you”
“Don’t
worry, you can’t get hooked if you are just smart about it”
Other? – Have you heard any other dubious “don’t
worry” statements in your life? – If yes please share them with the rest
of the group
__________
Process:
Discuss: “Sensible people will see trouble coming
and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it
later.” (Proverbs 22:3)
Discuss the following RED FLAGS and what the
greater meaning could be… (Answers provided)
A
plan or scheme sounds “too good to be true” … (It probably is)
Someone
lies about little things, sometimes even for no reason… (They will very
likely lie about big things)
Person
treats everyone else poorly… (You’re probably next in due time)
Someone
goes out of their way repeatedly to convince you how honest they are… (They
are probably not)
Disconnect
– Lots of positive words but not a lot of action to back it up… (Their
words have little value)
Ideas
designed to appeal to your emotions but little substance behind them… (Probably
not reliable)
Someone
trying to make a deal with you looks like they could pack up and leave quickly…
(They just might)
Person
has an answer for every single thing… (No one really has an answer for
everything)
Person
uncaring with animals, children and/or family… (Good chance they may
treat you poorly eventually)
Again, what are some of other red flags that
you try to always stay aware of in life?
______
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