Science & Substances
This chemical compound is created naturally when sugars in grains, vegetables, and fruits are fermented.
What is alcohol?
These are internal or external prompts—such as people, places, or intense emotions—that cause intense cravings for a substance.
What are triggers?
This mental practice involves intentionally focusing your attention entirely on the present moment without passing judgment.
What is mindfulness?
Step 1 of the 12-Step program requires individuals to admit they are this over their addiction.
What is powerless?
To reach this final stage, an individual must successfully sustain their behavioral changes and prevent relapse for at least six months.
What is Maintenance?
This specific organ is responsible for metabolizing and breaking down alcohol in the body.
What is the liver?
This "C-word" describes a dangerous state of comfort or self-satisfaction where a person stops doing their recovery work, drastically increasing relapse risk.
What is complacency?
This purposeful action involves intentionally shifting your attention away from a powerful craving by focusing on a hobby, chore, or conversation.
What is distraction?
This famous, widely recited prayer asks for the calmness to accept things that cannot be changed, the courage to change what can be, and the wisdom to know the difference.
What is the Serenity Prayer?
In this initial stage, an individual has no conscious intention of changing their behavior in the foreseeable future and is often unaware a problem exists.
What is Precontemplation?
Cocaine, amphetamines, and caffeine all fall under this broad medical classification of drugs that speed up the central nervous system.
What are stimulants?
This defense mechanism occurs when an individual completely minimizes or refuses to acknowledge the reality and negative consequences of their substance use.
What is denial?
This mental exercise involves intentionally recognizing and listing the positive things, people, or traits you are thankful for in your life.
What is practicing gratitude?
This term describes a seasoned peer in recovery who volunteers to guide a newcomer through the 12 steps and offer direct support.
What is a sponsor?
During this stage, a person acknowledges they have a problem and seriously weighs the pros and cons of changing, but has not yet committed to taking action.
What is Contemplation?
This highly addictive substance found in tobacco takes approximately 10 seconds to reach the brain after being inhaled.
What is nicotine?
This mental trap occurs when a person convinces themselves that "just one use" is perfectly fine, or makes excuses to validate using.
What is rationalization?
In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), this specific acronym represents the interpersonal skills used to clearly communicate what you want or say "no" while maintaining self-respect.
What is DEAR MAN?
Describe. Express. Assert. Reinforce. Mindful. Appear. Negotiate.
In Step 4 of a traditional 12-step fellowship, individuals commit to making a searching and fearless moral one of these.
What is a personal inventory?
This stage involves the explicit, observable modifications to a person's behavior and environment, such as stopping substance use completely.
What is Action?
This medical term describes the long-lasting, roller-coaster emotional and physical symptoms (like mood swings and sleep issues) that persist after acute detoxification.
What is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
This behavioral trap occurs when an individual replaces their primary addiction with a different unhealthy behavior, such as gambling, shopping, or overeating.
What is cross-addiction (or substitution)?
Setting these healthy "lines in the sand" helps individuals protect their personal space, time, and emotional well-being from toxic relationships.
What are boundaries?
Besides Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), this popular, science-based secular alternative stands for "Self-Management and Recovery Training."
What is SMART Recovery?
In this stage, a person actively intends to make a change soon and begins taking small steps, such as researching rehab centers or joining a support network.
What is Preparation?