Things you have learned 1
This receptor is responsible for reinforcement and reward. Recently, some companies have tried putting patches for this to trick people into spending money on a vitamin pouch. Dr. Craig states "those in recovery have a natural deficiency" which is why you decided to use drugs and/or alcohol. His books are really good you know.
What is Dopamine?
Since 2003, after multiple arrests and prison time in California, and subsequently becoming one of the most successful actors of our time. He is open about his recovery journey from alcohol, cocaine and heroin.
"Mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before."
Who is Robert Downy Jr?
It's the answer to all my problems at least according to page 417.
Acceptance
A stimulant that you can find at the grocery store.
Caffeine
Only in the Pickens parking lot will you have to stop for the one who likes boulders, waffles, & dragons.
The Donkey
A record commerical revenue in 2025 of $78.72 billion was achieved with 57% of American adults adults participating. Hey, I'm putting it all on black! I have a feeling!
What is gambling?
Beginning in 1999, this actress, producer, and children's author has been in recovery from a 10-year addiction to painkillers. She was in a very popular film about a day of the week in 2003.
"I am a human being who lives a flawed, contradictory life. And I have all sorts of problems and all sorts of successes."
Who is Jamie Lee Curtis?
Alcohol used to give us this in liquid form. Now that we are sober, we get this from completing the fourth step. This character trait is also shared with The Detroit NFL team's mascot.
Courage
A famous secondary emotion said: "Congratulations, San Francisco, you've ruined pizza! First the Hawaiians, and now you!"
You probably experience this same emotion when someone ruins your favorite food.
Anger
Ms. Debi - She has style, she has class, and she even has sass. The lady in pink though wasn't always sitting behind a desk but for 15+ years she held another position - and still has that license today.
Psychiatric Nurse
The movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was a great example of the sky is falling except you'd get a snack included. Thinking the sky is actually falling isn't a productive type of thinking is it?
What is catastrophizing?
Entering rehab initially at age 13 and later in life achieved long-term sobriety. She has struggled with her misuse of alcohol for years. She, now a very successful actress, is open to discussing her recovery journey. In 1982 you saw her in a film that went on to make $797.3 million in the box office.
"If you're going to go through hell... I suggest you come back learning something".
Who is Drew Barrymore?
In 1999, this spiritual principle ranked #144 of the top 500 names for a baby girl in America. Originating in the 16th century, it signifies trust. According to the steps, restoring sanity.
Hope
The most common answer people give when asked why they don't go into treatment
"I didn't know I needed help"
He's a man of many, many talents. A published author, a musician, an comedian. He's not your average joe but he will drink your weight in cups of joe. Not judgment though.
Dr. Craig
Commonly known for it's impact with impulse control, calmness, sleep, and mood, over exposure to this neurotransmitter can resulting in it's own syndrome. Thankfully that rarely happens if you follow your medication schedule prescribed by your doctor. You also can take probiotics and eat healthy foods to boost this naturally - exercise helps a lot!
What is Serotonin?
With over 30 years of sobriety, beginning in 1988 when his wife Tabitha staged an intervention with friends and family, she gathered his drugs, drug paraphernalia, and empty alcohol bottles, placed them in a garbage can, and dumped out the contents of the can in front him. He has sold millions of books, written over 75, 200 short stories, and has been published since 1974-he said it best.
"We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones".
Who is Stephen King?
It's trendy to say "very mindful, very demure" when really it's just saying "very _______ "
Check the steps, 4+2+1 will help you some
(what is the synonym for demure)
Humble or Humility
The excessive emotional and psychological reliance on another person for wellbeing...and no, it's not healthy
Co-dependency
This staff member can't whistle and can't snap with their left hand. You'd never know though because they multi-task with other things pretty well, according to everyone else.
Liz
Defining addiction has been done a couple of times by a few different places but we can all agree upon one, single thing in each definition. It's a relapsing brain disorder in summary but I'm missing something...
**YOU ONLY NEED ONE WORD TO COMPLETE THE DEFINTION**
What is chronic?
Definitions:
SAMSHA: chronic relapse brain disorder
ASAM - treatable, chronic, medical disease w/ complex interactions
NIDA - chronic, relapsing disorder
This famous rapper sees a therapist regularly between his hectic schedule and work travels. Began his recovery journey in October 2020. In April of 2025 he briefly relapsed. However, he did not allow that to stop him as he stated to the media "I went back to Day 1, again. Time didn't stop, my journey continues." He encourages his fans to seek mental health supports and links his fans to apps and resources through his many platforms.
"I'll tell you one thing you can't do; you can't put your shoes on, then your socks on."
Who is Flavor Flav?
"You can accomplish almost anything with imagination, hard work, ______, and dedication." — Walt Disney
This word appears only 12 times in the Big Book. You'd think it'd appear more.
(fill in the blank)
Patience
Read carefully: When we learn about emotions we learn about two that are often confused with eachother. One describes us and one describes our actions. Either way both of these emotions are okay to feel but not usually enjoyable.
Shame and Guilt
We like to think Pickens is laid back with only a few rules. There is one rule in particular Liz drops to you in your first meeting with her that involves a line. Bonus of 100 points if you know the color. And no, it's not a conga line even if you hear music playing somewhere.
Don't cross the red line that goes to the HRC/residential building