Recovery Obstacles
Something either internal or external that causes a strong urge to use/drink
What is a trigger?
Known for her powerhouse vocals and song "Rehab", this soul singer was in and out of treatment for years before her passing in 2011.
Who is Amy Winehouse?
This classic slogan reminds you to stay grounded and focus only on the 24 hours in front of you.
What is “One day at a time”?
An unhealthy mindset where a person fixates on the worst possible outcome, whether realistic or not
What is catastrophizing?
The most crucial tool for recovery - a group of people who help you deal with challenges, build self esteem and provide a sense of belonging
What is a support system?
Physical or emotional issues caused by stopping drug/alcohol use. Usually lasting a few weeks, though can last for years
What are withdrawals (PAWS)?
This Mean Girls actress has been to rehab multiple times but says living in Dubai helped her maintain her sobriety.
Who is Lindsay Lohan?
This phrase describes someone who’s stopped using but is still acting selfish, negative, or stuck in old behavior.
What is “dry drunk”?
A healthy mindset where a person is able to focus on the current moment regardless of future uncertainty
What is mindfulness?
These small, manageable objectives help build momentum in recovery by breaking larger goals into achievable steps.
What are short-term goals?
Damage to the mind caused by a distressing event resulting in long term behavioral changes
What is trauma?
This father-daughter pair — the dad a legendary country singer, the daughter a pop icon — both publicly battled addiction. He died sober; she went to rehab.
Who are Johnny Cash and Rosanne Cash?
This popular slogan reminds people to stop trying to control everything and trust in a power greater than themselves.
What is “Let go and let God” ?
An unhealthy mindset where a person feels they are less valuable due to mistakes made in the past
What is shame?
A series of limits placed on us in order to help in staying focused and avoiding possible pitfalls that show up in recovery
What is structure/routine?
The act of consciously or unconsciously getting in the way of your own goals. Example: going to a bar knowing you're recovery is not strong enough to manage the temptation
What is self sabotage?
This TV and radio host — once one of the most famous shock jocks in the world — has been clean since the ‘80s and talks about it on his satellite show.
Who is Howard Stern?
This slogan reminds people to avoid unnecessary drama and keep their focus on personal recovery.
What is “Keep your side of the street clean”?
An unhealthy mindset where a person can only recognize the most extreme versions of a topic
What is black and white thinking, binary thinking, all or nothing thinking?
Limits we set in order to keep ourselves physically and emotionally safe when dealing with others
What are boundaries?
This common recovery barrier involves untreated depression, anxiety, or trauma that can fuel relapse if not addressed alongside sobriety efforts.
What is untreated co-occurring mental illness or dual diagnosis?
This Academy Award–winning actor, famous for roles in Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society, struggled with alcoholism and cocaine use before relapsing later in life.
Who is Robin Williams?
This phrase is used when someone isn’t ready for recovery: “They need to hit their ___.
What is bottom or rock bottom?
A healthy mindset in both recovery and life in general, where a person is able to make the best of every situation without the need for blame, guilt or resentment
What is acceptance/self actualization?
Healthy perspective that focuses on positive and even small aspects of our lives, helping us remember that not everything is all bad
What is gratitude?