The 12 Steps
This is the most important step and the one you must get right every single day.
Step 1
This rock legend just passed on July 22, 2025 from age related illness despite copious amounts of drug use in the past. A gene variation, medical interventions, and luck have been noted to be responsible for his survival.
Ozzy Osbourne
Long-term use of this substance can lead to liver disease, memory loss, and a higher risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (aka “wet brain”).
Alcohol
People, places, things
Name one type of breathing technique.
4-7-8. Box breathing. Alternate Nostril Breathing. Physiological sigh.
This step goes off of the principle of "in order to keep it we must give it away."
Step 12
Founding member of Wu-Tang Clan known for his eccentric style and Shimmy Shimmy Ya, died in 2004 from a drug overdose.
Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Prolonged use of this class of drugs can lead to collapsed veins, abscesses, chronic constipation, and a decreased ability to feel pleasure.
Opioids
Name at least one internal trigger
Emotions, pain
This physical activity boosts mood, reduces cravings, and improves brain chemistry. Also increases dopamine, helps repair dopamine receptors, releases endorphins, and endocannabinoids mimicking the euphoric feeling of cannabis.
Exercise
This step invites us to acknowledge the wrongs we have done to others and seek to make amends to them. Except when to do so would hurt others.
Step 9
Critically acclaimed rapper, singer, and producer with "Swimming" and "Circles" being some of his most notable work died in 2018 from fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.
Mac Miller
Chronic use of this stimulant may result in extreme paranoia, skin picking, violent behavior, and severe dental decay
Meth
This trigger is one of the most difficult experiences for a person. Often said to have 5 stages and been described as "love that has nowhere to go."
Grief
Writing down your thoughts and feelings to process them is an example of this reflective practice
Journaling
Meditation and prayer are emphasized in this step for spiritual growth.
Step 11
Lead singer of Alice in Chains who died of a speedball overdose after years of isolation.
Layne Stanley
Insomnia, anxiety, increase of the stress hormone Cortisol, and mood disturbance all relate to use of this substance with headaches being its main withdrawal symptom.
Caffeine
This is a slang term that often comes about when a person has felt triggered, bored, hopeless, frustrated, or in pain for longer or at a higher level than they feel is acceptable and so they get a case of the _______ and decide to relapse.
F-Its
This coping skills known as _____ therapy. Uses temperature to reduces inflammation, increases dopamine, and induce present state awareness by shocking the system.
Cold/Ice
Which step humbly asks our higher power to remove our character defects.
step 7
Lead singer of the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver who died of a cocaine, alcohol, and MDA overdose
Scott Weiland
Extended use of these volatile chemicals can cause lasting damage to the brain’s white matter, leading to problems with movement, memory, and emotions—even after quitting.
Inhalants
Anger is the trigger that comes up most often when our _______ has been violated
Boundaries
Name at least 5 recovery support groups.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
For: Individuals recovering from alcohol addiction.
About: A 12-step, peer-led fellowship focused on sobriety and spiritual growth.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
For: Individuals recovering from drug addiction.
About: 12-step program open to all drug addictions. Focuses on spiritual principles and group support.
Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
For: Individuals recovering from cocaine or other mind-altering substance use.
About: Based on the AA model with a focus on cocaine addiction and related drugs.
Heroin Anonymous (HA)
For: People recovering specifically from heroin addiction.
About: A 12-step fellowship modeled after AA but focused on heroin and opiate recovery.
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
For: Those recovering from methamphetamine addiction.
About: A 12-step program with a strong online presence and specific focus on meth use.
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
For: Individuals recovering from marijuana dependency.
About: 12-step recovery group tailored for marijuana-related addiction.
SMART Recovery
For: Individuals recovering from all types of addictions.
About: A science-based, self-empowering alternative to 12-step programs, focusing on CBT tools and behavior change.
Celebrate Recovery
For: Christians recovering from addiction, trauma, or other life struggles.
About: A Christ-centered 12-step program often hosted in churches, open to all "hurts, habits, and hang-ups."
Refuge Recovery
For: Individuals in recovery seeking a Buddhist approach.
About: Uses meditation, mindfulness, and the Four Noble Truths as a recovery path.
Recovery Dharma
For: Individuals in recovery seeking a secular Buddhist framework.
About: Peer-led, non-theistic group emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living.
LifeRing Secular Recovery
For: People seeking a secular alternative to 12-step recovery.
About: Focuses on personal empowerment and peer support without religious or spiritual content.
Women for Sobriety (WFS)
For: Women in recovery from substance use.
About: A self-help program emphasizing emotional and spiritual growth, empowerment, and positivity.
Moderation Management (MM)
For: People seeking to reduce drinking without complete abstinence.
About: Provides support for moderation goals, harm reduction, and self-monitoring.