Powerlessness and unmanageability
What does powerlessness refer to in addiction?
Powerlessness in addiction refers to the inability to control one's use of substances or behaviors despite the desire or attempts to stop. It means recognizing that willpower alone is not enough to overcome addiction, as the cravings, compulsions, and urges are too strong to manage on one's own without outside help—whether from a higher power, a support group, or professional treatment. It involves accepting that addiction has taken control and that life has become unmanageable without intervention.
What is the 12th step of AA?
"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."
This step emphasizes the importance of service to others, sharing the message of recovery, and incorporating the principles learned throughout the 12 steps into everyday life. It's about giving back, helping others on their recovery journey, and living a life of integrity, humility, and spiritual growth.
What is a psychological disorder generated from by either experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event?
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What strategy involves reaching out to a trusted individual for support and guidance in times of need, often someone who has experience in recovery or provide insight and encouragement?
Call a sponsor or therapist
This type of thinking involves romanticizing the substance and often precedes relapse?
Stinking Thinking or war stories
What is meant by unmanageability in life?
Unmanageability in life, as it refers to addiction, means that a person's life becomes increasingly chaotic, disordered, and difficult to control due to their substance use or addictive behaviors.
What is the purpose of the 12 step program?
Achieving and maintaining sobriety/A spiritual awakening
How can unresolved trauma affect addiction recovery?
It increases the chance of relapse
Avoiding therapy, support groups, or sober friends/family is a sign of this behavior.
What is isolation?
Instead of facing emotions, individuals may turn to overeating or excessive screen time. What is this phenomenon/ what is this person substituting?
emotional numbing or cross addiction=substituting one addiction with another
Diseases, Overdoses, health issues, paranoia, depression, legal issues, debt, suicidal thoughts and additional trauma.
Consequences
Who are 12 step programs open to?
Anyone seeking recovery and support
What is the word for any behavior that a person finds relief in, craves, and engages in repeatedly despite negative consequences?
Addiction or Dependence
What are effective ways to deal with stress in recovery?
Exercising, talking with sponsor/therapist, prayer/meditation, and journaling
Why is surrender important in recovery?
Because it allows acceptance of help and guidance.
What are common signs of an unmanageable life due to addiction?
Financial issues, relationship issues, neglect of responsibilities, and health decline
What is the spiritual principle of Step 2?
Hope
This step is about finding hope in the possibility of recovery and believing that a higher power, however one understands it, can help bring about the necessary change and healing. It represents a shift from despair and isolation to faith in the possibility of a better future.
What is the practice of using substances or behaviors to manage or alleviate symptoms of mental health issues, stress, or emotional pain without professional guidance or prescription?
HINT: This can include using drugs, alcohol, food, or other activities as a way to cope with or escape from negative feelings or psychological distress.
Self Medicating
Daily Double
This early stage of relapse includes increased anger, boredom, stress, anxiety, and irritability.
What is emotional relapse?
What negative behavior involves hiding the truth about how they feel or what they are doing.
What is dishonesty?
Daily Double: In which step do participants confront their powerlessness?
Daily Double: What is the book that outlines the 12 step program?
What is the Big Book?
DAILY DOUBLE:
What is the connection between PTSD and substance abuse?
Individuals with PTSD may use substances to cope with their symptoms.
A person may start mentally revisiting old substance use experiences and say, “Just once won’t hurt.”
What are cravings, stinking thinking, romanticizing, and/or fantasizing?
Daily Double
How is surrendering different from giving up?
Surrender is accepting help, while giving up is losing hope