Definitions
A return to addictive behavior after a period of abstinence or successful recovery.
Relapse
A person who has achieved long-term recovery and volunteers to support and guide someone in early recovery through a 12-step program.
Sponsor
What does the acronym HALT stand for? Hint: These are common emotional triggers that lead to poor decisions.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired.
Opioid overdose reversal drug
The process of removing toxic substances from the body, often the initial step in addiction treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Detox or Withdrawal Management
Intense and uncontrollable desires or urges to engage in addictive behaviors or consume substances.
Craving
The first established 12-step recovery program.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free to talk, text, or chat with a counselor 24/7 when you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to.
Main medications for opioid use disorder
Buprenorphine OR methadone
Buprenorphine:
Methadone:
Often recommended for people leaving residential treatment, where they act as step-down care, ensuring ongoing support during the transition back to everyday life. Typically include 3 groups a week and individual sessions
IOP
The body's adaptation to a substance or behavior, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect.
Tolerance
The first established program for family members who have loved ones struggling with addiction or in recovery.
Al-Anon
What is a co-occuring disorder?
The coexistence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD)
Medication that treats alcohol use disorder, as well as opioid use disorder
Naltrexone
pill form for AUD
an extended-release intramuscular injectable for AUD and OUD (vivitrol)
Long-term treatment
Complete avoidance of the addictive substance or behavior, a common goal in addiction recovery.
Abstinence
Name a self-help group that is not AA or NA.
Gamblers Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery
What is the "pink cloud"?
A stage of early addiction recovery that involves feelings of euphoria and elation. When you’re in this phase, you feel confident and excited about recovery.
Think of it as a honeymoon phase.
A few examples of this type of medication include Lexapro, Prozac & Zoloft. These can help with symptoms of anxiety & depression.
Antidepressants
A structured, substance-free living environment that bridges the gap between rehab (or incarceration) and fully independent life, built around peer support and accountability.
Halfway house
Behavior that supports or allows an addicted individual to continue their addictive patterns by minimizing consequences or facilitating access to the substance or behavior.
Enabling
What is the serenity prayer?
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
What does the acronym TIPP stand for? Hint: it is a crisis and distress tolerance acronym used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help rapidly regulate overwhelming emotions and calm the nervous system
T – Temperature (Tip the Temperature): Change your body temperature quickly—such as placing an ice pack on your eyes and cheeks or splashing cold water on your face—to activate the mammalian dive reflex and lower your heart rate.
I – Intense Exercise: Engage in brief, vigorous movement (like jumping jacks, push-ups, or a fast jog) for a few minutes to burn off adrenaline and emotional energy.
P – Paced Breathing: Slow your breathing down—such as breathing in deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly for a longer count (e.g., in for 5 seconds, out for 7 seconds) to signal safety to your brain.
P – Progressive / Paired Muscle Relaxation - Tense specific muscle groups for a few seconds, then release them while breathing deeply to let go of physical tension.
A medication that can be stopped abruptly without talking to your doctor
None!
trick question, ALWAYS talk to your doctor before stopping a medication
An environment where groups of likeminded individuals in recovery live together, but don't necessarily receive treatment. Usually separated by gender
Sober living