Group lesson · 90 minutes

Mastering Self-Control and Decision-Making

Educational group lesson on noticing urges, pausing before acting, and practicing deliberate choices that support recovery goals.

At a glance

Duration

90 minutes

Format

Group session

Series

Group lessons at Tranquility Woods

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Learning objectives

What the group works on.

By the end of the session, participants can:

Define an urge and recognize different types.

Understand common aspects of urges (educational framing only).

Identify personal triggers and high-risk situations.

Practice coping strategies that support healthier choices.

Draft a simple personal action plan for urges.

Session plan

How the session unfolds.

Times are a guide. Facilitators adjust the pace to the group in the room.

0–10 min

Introduction

Introduce urges and why pausing before acting matters for self-control and decision-making.

10–20 min

Types of urges

Interactive overview of urge types and how they can affect choices. Educational framing only; not clinical advice.

20–35 min

Group discussion

Invite voluntary sharing of experiences with urges in a safe, non-judgmental setting.

35–50 min

Triggers and high-risk situations

Explore scenarios that help participants spot triggers and high-risk moments.

50–65 min

Coping practice

Role-play or skills practice for coping strategies in simulated scenarios.

65–80 min

Personal action plan

Worksheet time to outline a personal plan for handling urges.

80–90 min

Wrap-up and support

Summarize takeaways, optional sharing, Q&A, and pointers to support networks.

Facilitator notes

Holding the room.

Notes for whoever leads the group. The group sets the pace.

Keep a safe, non-judgmental space for sharing.

Foster engagement through discussion, practice, and reflection.

Adjust pace based on the group’s comfort.

Share appropriate support resources when helpful.

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Questions about programming?

Talk with Admissions about group work.

Admissions can explain how lessons like this one fit each level of care, and what a week in the program looks like.