12 Steps
We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
What is Step 1?
Writing about personal experiences to improve mental wellbeing and the reduction of uncomfortable emotions.
What is Journaling?
When a person prioritizes the needs, wants, and feelings of others, even at their own expense. This person does not express their own needs, or does not stand up for themselves. This can lead to being taken advantage of, even by well meaning people.
What is Passive Communication?
Physical or psychological symptoms when not using the substance
What is Withdrawal?
Exercising, Getting an adequate amount of sleep, Medical Compliance (e.g. taking medications as prescribed and attending appointments) and Healthy eating are all examples of?
What is a Healthy Lifestyle?
We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
What is Step 3?
A relaxation technique where you purposefully take slow, deep breaths. When practiced regularly it provide both immediate and long-term relief from stress and anxiety.
What is Deep Breathing?
With this form of communication a person expresses only their own needs, wants, and feelings matter. The other person is verbally/physically abused, bullied, and their needs are ignored.
What is Aggressive Communication?
A disease involving continued substance use despite significant substance-related problems. This disease involves the loss of control over substance use, social and occupational problems, risky use, and physical problems.
What is Addiction?
Taking time to take care of yourself by doing the things you enjoy. When used consistently, this can reduce stress, relieve uncomfortable emotions, and improve physical health.
What is Self Care?
We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
What is Step 2?
The help provided by other people, such as family, friends, groups, and communities. This help can fulfill emotional, tangible, informational, or social needs.
What is Social Support?
This form of communication emphasizes the importance of both peoples’ needs. A person stands up for their own needs, wants, and feelings, but also listens to and respects the needs of others.
What is Assertive Communication?
Returning to regular substance use after a period of sobriety
What is Relapse?
Limits and rules that people set for themselves in relationships. This includes saying “no” when they want to.
What is Healthy Boundaries?
We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
What is Step 8?
A technique used for managing one’s own unwanted behaviors. Rather than giving in to an urge, a person learns to ride it out. After a short time, the urge will pass on its own.
What is Urge Surfing?
Examples of this form of communication includes:
· Soft spoken / quiet
· Allows others to take advantage
· Prioritizes needs of others
· Poor eye contact / looks down or away
· Does not express one’s own needs or wants
· Lack of confidence
What is Passive Communication?
Used in specific cases for symptom management, is most effective when paired with therapy
What is Medication?
Lack of this causes brain functioning to slows down, memory impairment, higher frequency of accidents, increased stress and health issues such as weight gain and increased blood pressure.
What is Sleep?
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
What is Step 5?
Challenging our mind from convincing us of things that are not true? For example, the thoughts that “something bad will happen” or “I will make a mistake” might lack evidence, but still have an impact on how you feel. By examining the evidence, you can reduce anxiety.
What is Challenging Irrational Thought?
Examples of this form of communication includes:
· Listening without interruption
· Clearly states needs and wants
· Willing to compromise
· Confident tone / body language
· Good eye contact
What is Assertive Communication?
Meet with peers who are also in recovery and participate in a social environment free of substances.
What is Support Groups?
Strategies to help better manage the difficulties in your life.
(Examples include prioritizing responsibilities, keeping things in perspective and setting aside time for yourself)
What is Stress Management?