Relapse Prevention
Feelings, people, or situations that cause the brain to want to use substances. If you're not aware of them, they can cause you to relapse
Triggers *Share about your triggers
Someone who helps guide a newcomer through the processes of NA or AA
A Sponsor *Do you have your sponsor? Share about your experience
The basic text for Alcoholics Anonymous
The Big Book
A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
Mindfulness
This Hollywood legend faced drug and alcohol addiction for much of her career. But, after an intervention in the 80's, she checked into the Betty Ford Clinic and managed a successful recovery.
Elizabeth Taylor
This state of mind can be fatal for recovery! It's characterized by being too comfortable or not feeling motivated to continue doing the work
Complacency
A powerful desire to use substances
Cravings
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
Serenity Prayer
Doing or thinking about something different when you feel yourself being triggered to use substances
Changing the Channel *What are things you do to Change the Channel?
This metallic man has been in recovery since 2003. He was introduced to drugs by his famous father and spent time in jail. He saw a resurgence in his popularity since entering recovery and staring in a series of hit movies.
Robert Downey Jr.
Refusing to admit the truth about addiction and its consequences to ourselves.
Denial
Symptoms you experience several weeks or months after you have finished detoxing that are related to the body healing from substance use
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) *What PAWS symptoms have you experienced?
Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
The practice of taking an active role in regularly doing things that improve your well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress
Self-Care *Share one thing you do for self-care
This famous British singer, songwriter, and pianist recently had a biopic made of his life. He was knighted by the Queen of England and is one of the best selling musical artists of all time. He went through recovery, built AA/NA meetings into his tour schedule, and has also sponsored other celebrities such as Eminem.
Elton John
Identifying and writing down triggers, coping skills, people, and activities that can help prevent a relapse
Relapse Prevention Plan *Raise your hand if you have a relapse prevention plan
A common phrase repeated in AA/NA as an important part of recovery. It is not just a common encouragement, it holds great meaning representing the gratitude an individual feels about their sobriety, and the importance of it presently.
"One Day at a Time"
"We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves."
Getting support from a neutral person who can help with mental health and addiction concerns
Therapy
A biopic of a famous country music legend and his rise to fame in Tennessee. While on tour, he meets the love of his life, singer June Carter. However, things take a turn when he becomes involved in drugs and his marriage to first wife, Vivian, begins to fall apart. The lyrics of his song spoke his truth.
Walk the Line
Convincing yourself that it's okay or that you have to use substances/engage in addictive behaviors
Relapse Justification
Using another activity in order to replace or substitute the feelings/results you used to get from using substances
Cross Addiction
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.
NA Tradition 3
A state of mind where you are thankful and taking notice of the good things in your life, rather than focusing on the bad
Gratitude *What is one thing you are grateful for today?
This famous actor is known for his character named after a weapon. He served jail time and became a boxing champion in San Quentin, after which he completed a 12-step program and has been sober for over 4 decades. He was first discovered as an actor while attending an AA meeting! Now he is a successful restaurateur and appeared as the Racoon in the Masked Singer show. Movie Desperado Heat.
Danny Trejo