Twelve Steps
Support Networks
Stages of Change
Recovery Milestones
Recovery Jargon
100

According to the Twelve Steps, this step involves admitting powerlessness over alcohol or drugs.

Step 1.

100

This mutual support group focuses on providing support for family and friends of individuals struggling with addiction.

Al-Anon.

100

In the Stages of Change model, this stage involves recognizing the need for change but not yet committing to it.

Contemplation stage.

100

This term refers to a period of time during which an individual abstains from substance use.

Clean or sobriety time.

100

This term is often used to describe a person who is in the early stages of recovery and is abstaining from substance use.

Newcomer.

200

Making direct amends to those harmed is part of this step.

Step 9.

200

This term refers to individuals who provide emotional and practical support to someone in recovery.

Sober supports or allies.

200

This stage of change involves making a specific, public commitment to change and taking initial steps.

Preparation stage.

200

This milestone in recovery often involves acknowledging and addressing past mistakes and making amends.

Making restitution or amends.

200

In 12-step meetings, this term is used to describe an experienced individual who guides and supports someone newer in recovery.

Sponsor.

300

In the Twelve Steps, this step involves seeking to improve conscious contact with a higher power.

Step 11.

300

This organization is known for its helpline, providing immediate assistance to individuals in crisis or seeking information.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

300

In the Stages of Change model, individuals in this stage have successfully made the desired changes for at least six months.

Maintenance.

300

This term refers to a sudden return to substance use after a period of abstinence.

Relapse.

300

This term refers to the individual leading a 12-step meeting, often chosen for their experience in recovery.

Chairperson or meeting chair.

400

This organization adapted the Twelve Steps for individuals struggling with various addictive behaviors.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

400

 This support network involves a group of individuals with a shared goal of supporting each other in recovery.

Recovery community or peer support group.

400

This stage of change involves taking concrete steps toward behavior change.

Action stage.

400

This term is often used to describe the celebration of reaching one full year of continuous sobriety.

Sober anniversary, sober birthday, or one-year chip.

400

This acronym represents a key principle in recovery meetings, emphasizing anonymity and confidentiality.

"What's said here, stays here".

500

According to the Twelve Steps, making a list of individuals harmed and becoming willing to make amends is part of this step.

Step 8.

500

This type of therapy involves the active participation of family and friends in the recovery process.

Family-involved therapy.

500

In the Stages of Change model, individuals in this stage are actively engaged in the change process and have made significant progress.

Action stage.

500

In the context of recovery, this term describes the period following treatment where an individual maintains their commitment to sobriety.

Post-treatment recovery or aftercare.

500

In support meetings, this phrase encourages members to focus on their own recovery journey rather than trying to control others.

"Stick to your side of the street".

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