The Drug of Choice Myth
What does 'drug of choice' thinking mean?
Believing only one substance is the problem.
What is cross-addiction?
Replacing one addictive substance or behavior with another.
What does the disease concept explain?
Why people can’t use safely once addiction develops.
True or False: Cravings mean treatment isn’t working.
False.
What’s the difference between abstinence and recovery?
Abstinence = not using; Recovery = full lifestyle change.
Why is focusing only on one drug dangerous?
It ignores the addictive pattern and can lead to substitution.
What illusion does substitution create?
A false sense of control or safety.
What does the choice concept explain?
How recovery happens through daily decisions.
What’s the best way to handle a craving or dream?
Talk about it with peers, sponsor, or staff
Why isn’t “just not using” enough?
Same thinking → same behaviors → relapse.
Give one “safe” excuse people use.
“It’s legal,” “Not my DOC,” “I can control it.”
Why do people think substitution is “better than relapse”?
It feels controlled, but it keeps addiction alive.
Can addiction start as a choice and become a disease?
Yes — repetition leads to dependency and loss of control.
What do cravings often signal?
Emotional, mental, or environmental triggers
Give one sign someone is living recovery, not just abstinence.
Honesty, accountability, spiritual growth, service.
What’s a better term than “drug of choice”?
Addictive pattern or cycle.
Name two problems that stay the same when switching drugs.
Loss of control and negative consequences.
How is addiction like diabetes?
Both start with behavior choices but become chronic illnesses needing daily management.
What does NA say about using thoughts?
Having them is normal; what matters is what you do about them.
How do daily choices strengthen recovery?
Build consistency, trust, and self-discipline.
True or False: Recovery means avoiding all mood-altering substances.
True.
Fill in the blank: “Freedom comes from ______, not substitution.”
Change
Finish the quote: “We didn’t choose the disease, but we must choose…”
“…the recovery.”
What happens when you hide cravings instead of talking about them?
Shame and relapse risk increase.
Finish the phrase: “Recovery isn’t about avoiding one drug — it’s about…”
“…refusing to give addiction any foothold.”