Adolescent Relapse Coping Questionnaire – ARCQ

Use the support of a higher power (for example, pray, meditate).

Do something instead of using or drinking (watch TV, socialize).

Make a promise to yourself that things will be different next time.

Just concentrate on what you have to do next the next step (in the situation or afterwards).

Think of a better time or place than the one you are in - imagine things that make you feel better.

Stand your ground and fight for what you want (for example, do what you think is right regardless of other’s opinions).

Wish you were a stronger person.

Change something so things will turn out all right (for example, get out of the situation).

Think to yourself you don't want to blow your sobriety, or go back to drinking and/or using drugs.

Come up with a couple of different ways to handle the situation (for example, think about ways to avoid negative consequences).

Change something about yourself so you can deal with the situation better (for example, decide to be more patient, to have more willpower, etc.).

Let your feelings out somehow.

Realize you brought the situation on yourself; blame yourself.

Leave or avoid the situation.

Discover what is important in life (think that you'll learn something important about yourself, change your priorities, etc. as a result of your experience).

Use self-control or will power.

Try to forget the whole thing.

Criticize or lecture yourself.

Think you would feel guilty if you use or drink.

Keep others from knowing how bad things are.

Think that drinking or using is bad; you don't want to be part of it.

Talk to someone to find out more about the situation (for example, to find out how you could avoid the situation and its consequences if it comes up again).

Contact a support for staying clean (for example, call a sponsor or sober friend, go to NA/AA meeting).

Do something which you think won’t work but at least you’re doing something (for example, try to refuse alcohol or drugs even if you think you’ll give in eventually).

Make a plan of action and follow it (for example, plan in advance how you would act in this type of situation).

Try to look on the bright side of things, look for something good that could come out of the situation.

Think others who matter to you (family, friends) will be upset.

Wish that you could change what had happened (for example, feel bad that you couldn’t avoid the situation).