Which of the following is NOT considered a core treatment and recovery skill?

The correct choice identifies "Exercise and health training" as NOT being considered a core treatment and recovery skill in the context of substance use treatment. Core treatment and recovery skills typically focus on strategies that directly address issues related to substance use, such as managing stress, refusal skills for avoiding substances, and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and promote well-being.

Stress management is essential as individuals in recovery often face numerous stressors that could lead to relapse if not managed effectively. Substance refusal training equips clients with the necessary skills to say no to drugs and alcohol, which is a critical aspect of maintaining sobriety. Relaxation training serves to provide individuals with tools to manage anxiety and encourage self-soothing practices, fostering a healthier mindset during recovery.

While exercise and health training are beneficial for overall well-being and can support the recovery process, they are not considered core skills specifically designed to address the challenges of substance use. Rather, they complement a holistic approach to recovery but do not directly deal with the immediate cognitive and behavioral challenges posed by addiction. Therefore, exercise and health training stands apart as it is more about general health promotion rather than a core competency in recovery skill-building.