12 Steps of AA/NA
Admitted we were powerless over drugs or alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.
What is Step 1?
Meditation, taking a walk, exercising, journaling, talking to a trusted friend or sober support, drawing, painting, playing an instrument, knitting, crocheting, etc.
What are coping skills?
*everyone share what your best coping skill is while at EPIC*
Just for _________
Today
Something we lose when we are in active addiction.
What is Family? Friends? Freedom?
The very first stage of getting clean/recovery.
What is detox/detoxification?
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
What is Step 4?
Fear of losing family, friends, health, work, or housing can also be this.
What is motivation to continue in recovery?
*please share what motivates you to remain in recovery*
One ____ __ _ ____. (finish the phrase)
One day at a time.
*what does this phrase mean to you?*
A primary emotion that we addicts/alcoholics feel that could lead to relapse.
What is Fear? Also acceptable is frustration.
*let's discuss emotions that lead us to relapse*
A strong urge that can take you down the wrong road if you follow it and/or aren't prepared to handle it.
What is a craving?
Continued to take inventory of ourselves and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
What is Step 10?
In "Stages of Change," there is no intention of changing behavior; the person may be unaware that a
problem exists.
What is Pre-contemplation, or the first stage of change.
*discuss/give examples* aka denial.
Keep your own side of the ____ _____.
(in other words, work on yourself first.)
Keep your side of the STREET CLEAN. Meaning "stay in your lane," "don't judge others," "work on yourself," etc.
This sensation is what we will feel once we are honest with ourselves and happy in our recovery.
What is freedom?
This happens to us when we are revisiting old people, places, things and it will lead to relapse eventually.
What is being triggered? Also acceptable, any form of the word "trigger."
*everyone please share what might trigger you out of EPIC.
Made direct amends to (people we have wronged) wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
What is Step 9?
In "Stages of Change:" Sustained change occurs and new behavior(s) replaces old ones.
What is the "Maintenance" Stage of Change.
*let's discuss this!*
When you consider giving in to a craving or an old behavior, it is helpful if you pause and do this instead before acting.
What is "play the tape through" or "play the tape forward"?
Something we need to do to/for ourselves before we can do it for others.
What is forgiveness? Also accepted: "FIGHT for ourselves"
This happens after initial withdrawal, and during early recovery. It can include irritability, shakes, poor memory, cravings, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and frustration.
What is PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
*does anyone have examples to share in their own story?
Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics/addicts, and practice these principles in all our affairs.
What is Step 12?
Sometimes the things that we fear losing can also be this:
motivation.
If someone tells you to HALT before making a big decision, what they mean is do not make big choices when you are H___, A____, L____, T_____.
Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired.
*Please share what this means to you and why it matters or could lead to relapse.
When you say that you're F.I.N.E., you are probably actually feeling any of these.
F_*_d up, Insecure, Neurotic, or Emotional.
*let's all discuss this*
When you are pleased with yourself, resting on your laurels and lacking motivation in your recovery. You think you have it figured out and don't need help, or you are tired of trying.
What is complacency or stagnancy?