TC Terms
To practice the form of something in order to gain the substance. It is usually uncomfortable. You gain the substance of a quality by practicing it.
What is "Acting As If" (or, What is "Act As If")
Coming up with lots of possibilities and choices, instead of just one or two, for any problems or course of action.
What is "Brainstorming"
Special - better than others; the rules do not apply or shouldn't apply to me
What is "Fantasy Uniqueness"
No acts and/or threats of physical violence.
What is "Cardinal Rule 1" (or, What is "a Cardinal Rule")
A mutual self-help process. This means that individuals assume responsibility for the recovery and welfare of their peers in order to maintain their own recovery, welfare, and ongoing growth.
What is "Brother's Keeper" (or, What is "Social Responsibility")
Belittling someone who is not present in the conversation.
What is "Bad Rapping"
Recognizing in any situation or plan triggers, traps, flashpoints, and so on that could stimulate the habit self towards drug-use, violence, or other destructive action.
What is "Danger Spotting"
Not receptive to viewpoint of others; Neither self-critical, nor accepting of criticism
What is "Closed Channel"
Full and sincere participation in all program groups and activities is required.
What is "Major Rule 18" (or, What is "a Major Rule")
A positive peer community teaches this, a set of related values emphasizing good habits, self-reliance and earned reward, excellence in standards, pride in performance, and personal commitment in effort.
What is "Work Ethic"
Holding on to your negative behavior patterns (street code).
What is "Jailing"
Making an honest effort to understand another point of view about any situation you are considering.
What is "View Switching"
Refusal to back down, even on little things; Insists everyone see things his/her way
What is "False Pride"
No saving seats.
What is "House Rule 12" (or, What is "a House Rule")
Being this in the TC encourages the individual to be generous in supporting and fostering change in others, giving time and energy to that end whenever possible. Recovery is learned and maintained through interaction with others.
What is "Good Citizenry"
Not getting involved.
What is "Laying Back in the Woodwork" (or, What is "Laying in the Woodwork"; or, What is "Woodworking")
Knowing how to make your first interactions with other people honest and positive so you feel comfortable with more people and are able to build better relationships.
What is "Self-Presentation"
Seeks to overcome feelings of "being a nobody" or "a nothing" (Zero State) by controlling others; Seeks to control others by use of anger, deceit, manipulation, intimidation, violence, or seduction
What is "Power Orientation"
No disrespecting group members or staff.
What is "Group Rule 12" (or, What is "a Group Rule")
This right living value emphasizes the need to remember where you came from in order to know where you are going. Remembering the problems, pains, and identity of the past helps one to stay committed to the struggle in the present and the goals of the future.
What is "Change is the Only Certainty"
Going to someone else when you were already told by someone what the answer was (by passing or going around until you get the answer you want). Going around the structure.
What is "Shooting a Curve"
Being able to hear and understand you own thought, and know whether they are coming from your habit self or your inner self.
What is "Self-Listening"
Focusing only on positive personal qualities; Fails to acknowledge destructive behaviors
What is "View of Self as a Good Person"
No horseplay.
What is "Major Rule 13" (or, What is "a Major Rule")
Community explicitly instructs individuals to use the community and its teachings to create or recreate their lives. Individuals gain a stake in society when they invest in themselves; aspire to achieve goals; and when they come to value life itself.
What is "Personal Responsibility for Destiny"