Recovery Terminology
What does "sponsor" mean in a 12-step program?
A person who guides you through the steps and supports your recovery.
Name one healthy coping skill for dealing with stress.
Deep breathing, exercise, journaling, etc.
What is a relapse?
Returning to substance use after a period of sobriety.
What does “progress, not perfection” mean?
Focus on growth, not being perfect. Mistakes are part of recovery.
What is self-care?
Taking actions to improve your well-being and health.
What chemical in the brain is often linked to pleasure and reward?
Dopamine
Why is setting boundaries important in recovery?
To protect your sobriety and emotional well-being.
What does “one day at a time” mean?
Focusing on staying sober for today rather than worrying about the future.
What’s one thing you can do when you feel like using?
Call a sponsor, go to a meeting, use grounding techniques, etc.
Name a warning sign of relapse.
Isolating, cravings, skipping meetings, romanticizing past use.
What does “Keep coming back” mean in meetings?
Encouragement to continue attending meetings, even if it's hard.
Name one physical self-care activity.
Exercise, sleep, healthy eating, hygiene, etc.
True or False: Addiction can change the structure and function of the brain.
True
Name one unhealthy relationship pattern to avoid in recovery.
Codependency, manipulation, enabling, etc.
What is the first step in a 12-step program?
Admitting powerlessness over addiction and that life had become unmanageable.
What is mindfulness?
Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
What’s one strategy to prevent relapse?
Having a support system, attending meetings, using coping skills.
What does “Let go and let God” encourage you to do?
Release control and trust in a Higher Power or the process.
What is gratitude and why is it important in recovery?
Being thankful. It shifts focus from what's lacking to what's positive.
What part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and impulse control?
Prefrontal cortex
What’s one sign of a healthy relationship?
Trust, respect, honesty, good communication.
What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What type of coping skill is “talking to someone you trust”?
Emotional/social coping skill.
What’s the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
A lapse is a one-time use; a relapse is returning to old patterns.
What is the meaning of “This too shall pass”?
Difficult feelings or cravings won’t last forever.
Name one goal someone might have in recovery.
Stay sober, rebuild relationships, get a job, improve mental health.
What is “craving” in terms of brain activity?
A strong urge triggered by the brain’s memory of substance use and reward.
What is “people-pleasing,” and why can it be harmful?
Prioritizing others' needs over your own; can lead to resentment or burnout.
What is a “trigger” in recovery?
Something that causes a craving or urge to use.
True or False: Watching TV is always an unhealthy coping mechanism.
False – it depends on how it's used and whether it becomes avoidance.
What should you do immediately after a relapse?
Reach out for help, be honest, re-engage with your recovery plan.
Something greater than themselves in recovery
What is a Higher Power?
What does personal responsibility mean in recovery?
Owning your actions and choices without blaming others.
Why does early recovery often involve mood swings or brain fog?
The brain is healing and rebalancing after substance use disrupted its chemistry.
Why is it often recommended to avoid new romantic relationships in early recovery?
They can be distracting or emotionally destabilizing during a vulnerable time.
What does "emotional sobriety" mean in the context of long-term recovery?
The ability to manage emotions in a balanced way, maintaining peace and resilience even during stress, beyond just abstaining from substances.
Explain the difference between “avoidance coping” and “approach coping.”
Avoidance coping involves escaping or ignoring stress (e.g., isolating), while approach coping addresses problems directly (e.g., asking for help or using tools).
What is the "Abstinence Violation Effect" and how can it contribute to relapse?
It's the belief that a single slip means total failure, leading to guilt and full relapse instead of returning to recovery after a lapse.
Interpret the slogan “You’re only as sick as your secrets” in the context of recovery.
Hiding past behaviors or emotions can create shame and block healing. Honesty is key for growth and freedom in recovery.
What is the connection between self-compassion and relapse prevention?
Self-compassion reduces shame, builds resilience, and encourages recovery after mistakes, helping prevent the spiral into relapse.
How does addiction impact the brain’s reward system and executive functioning over time?
How does addiction impact the brain’s reward system and executive functioning over time?
What is the role of “attachment styles” in forming healthy or unhealthy relationships during recovery?
Insecure attachment styles (anxious, avoidant) can lead to unhealthy patterns; secure attachment promotes trust and emotional safety, which support recovery.