Ancient Substance Use
Ancient Scythians were said to throw this plant on hot stones and "howl with joy." Today it’s legal in some states and used medicinally for pain and anxiety.
What is cannabis/marijuana?
This anxiety symptom might make you sweat, shake, or randomly forget your own zip code while trying to order a latte.
What is a panic attack?
This crunchy vegetable has saved many a stressed-out addict from relapse. It doesn’t get you high, but it does fight cravings and squeaks in your teeth.
What is celery? (Or “eating something crunchy.”)
This elvish-style coping skill involves wandering into nature, whispering to trees, and pretending you’re in a Tolkien reboot. Bonus if you wear a cloak.
What is forest bathing (or nature grounding)?
Like Gandalf lighting up his staff in the Mines of Moria, this technique helps you find your way out of dark thoughts by breathing slowly and deeply.
What is deep breathing (or grounding)?
This “hair of the dog” method involves drinking this to cure the hangover, but often just guarantees a headache encore.
What is more alcohol?
Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” this rock legend battled decades of heavy alcohol, cocaine, and prescription drug addiction, famously biting the head off a bat on stage but still performing today.
Who is Ozzy Osbourne?
Used in shamanic rituals for thousands of years, this plant-based hallucinogen is brewed into a tea. It contains DMT, and today it's being studied for trauma healing.
What is Ayahuasca?
People with this disorder may feel “on top of the world” at 2 a.m., start 5 projects at once, and confidently believe they can open a dog yoga empire by Thursday.
What is bipolar disorder (mania phase)?
In the 1950s, this was considered a valid coping skill. Today, we’d call it a fire hazard and anxiety enhancer. But it still smells better than relapse.
What is chain-smoking cigarettes?
This calming skill is like casting a silent spell — just breathe in, breathe out, and pretend you’re blowing smoke rings in the Shire.
What is deep breathing?
When the Ring whispered “just one time,” Frodo remembered his purpose. You can do the same by using this powerful tool that outlines your goals, values, and reasons to stay sober.
What is a recovery plan (or a “why” list)?
The cure for a hangover that involves carbs and grease, often taken with regret the next morning.
What is a greasy breakfast (like bacon and eggs or pizza)?
This pop superstar struggled with heroin, cocaine, and alcohol addiction, leading to multiple rehab stints starting in 2010, and cancellations of tours due to mental health and substance use issues.
Who is Demi Lovato?
This powerful plant was once used in Egyptian medicine and even added to wine. Today it’s a deadly drug with a high risk of overdose.
What is opium? (Also accept: poppy or opioids)
People with this personality disorder might fear abandonment so much that they’ll text you “I’m fine” and “You hate me, don’t you?” in the same minute.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
This old-school activity was once used to soothe the nerves. It involves needles, yarn, and possibly grandma judging your tension.
What is knitting (or crocheting)?
Light a candle or incense, stare into it like you're seeing the future, and breathe. It’s basically wizard-level self-soothing.
What is mindfulness or candle gazing?
Even Aragorn needed his fellowship. When you’re feeling triggered, this recovery move is all about texting your sponsor or showing up to this kind of group.
What is attending a meeting (or peer support group)?
This fizzy, slightly spicy “morning miracle” is the go-to drink when your stomach feels like a rollercoaster and your head's still doing somersaults.
What is ginger ale?
This legendary talk show host has been sober since 1987 and credits his long-lasting career to embracing recovery and helping others.
Who is Oprah Winfrey?
This ancient South American leaf was chewed for energy and altitude endurance—today, it’s processed into a highly addictive street drug.
What is the coca leaf (used to make cocaine)?
This disorder may cause someone to believe they’re the main character in everyone’s story—even the barista’s.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
DAILY DOUBLE
This menthol miracle was originally made for chest colds, but some people smear it under their nose during cravings to feel like their grandma, a NASCAR driver, or a new person entirely.
What is Vicks VapoRub? (Or “mentholated distraction magic”)
Instead of yelling at your craving, write it down like you're a wizard recording dark spells in a journal of doom. Bonus points for dramatic handwriting.
What is journaling?
Just like Sam carried Frodo up Mount Doom, this kind of ally in your recovery journey can carry you through cravings, setbacks, or just bad days.
What is recovery support (or accountability partner)?
That moment of horror when you wake up, check your phone, and see texts to your boss, your ex, and maybe even your dentist—oops. |
What is a drunk dial?
This rapper openly discussed his addiction and mental health journey, releasing a successful album “Good News” in 2020.
Who is Mac Miller?
In some ancient cultures, this fermented drink was used in spiritual ceremonies. Today, it's legal almost everywhere and socially accepted, but it’s also one of the most dangerous substances to withdraw from.
What is alcohol?
DAILY DOUBLE
This disorder may cause you to argue with a stop sign if it looked at you funny. Anger issues, impulsivity, and a deep hatred of being told what to do? Yup.
What is Antisocial Personality Disorder? (You can also accept "Oppositional Defiant Disorder" for laughs.)
This strangely satisfying coping skill involves scrubbing your sink until it sparkles like your sponsor's expectations. Bonus: your intrusive thoughts now have a clean place to spiral.
What is stress-cleaning (or rage cleaning)?
You feel a craving coming on — instead of giving in, you stand tall, take a deep breath, and say something brave out loud, like “You shall not pass!”
What is positive self-talk or affirmations?
DAILY DOUBLE
When cravings creep in like Gollum sneaking through the shadows, this calming skill helps you stay steady — riding the urge instead of letting it drag you into the cave.
What is Riding the Craving Wave? (a.k.a. urge surfing)
This intense headache disorder can be triggered or worsened by alcohol consumption, especially red wine or binge drinking, and often includes nausea and light sensitivity.
What is migraine?
DAILY DOUBLE
This “Stranger Things” star has spoken openly about her mental health struggles and journey to sobriety, inspiring many young fans.
Who is Millie Bobby Brown?