Recovery Groups
Structured, peer-support groups designed to help individuals overcome addiction through a 12-step framework of spiritual, emotional, and behavioral principles.
What is AA? (or NA, CMA, etc.)
One of the most effective ways to handle a craving is reaching out to this type of person.
What is calling a sober friend (or support/sponsor)?
The physical or mental response that occurs when someone stops using a substance they are dependent on.
What is withdrawal?
ODAAT
What is "One Day At A Time"
These can include deep breathing, body scan, grounding exercises, meditation, journaling.
What are mindfulness techniques?
A science-based, self-empowering support program that uses practical tools (like CBT skills) to help people manage addiction and build a balanced life.
What is SMART Recovery?
Attending to our basic needs as a first line of defense for coping with urges or challenging emotions.
What is HALT (Hungry, Angry/Anxious, Lonely, Tired)?
The most commonly used addictive substance worldwide.
What is alcohol?
KISS
What is "Keep It Simple Stupid"
Teaching others how to treat you by what you allow (hint: requires assertiveness).
What is setting healthy boundaries?
Buddhist-inspired recovery program that uses meditation, self-inquiry, and community to help people heal from addiction and suffering.
What is Recovery Dharma?
Imagining the full series of consequences before deciding to act on an urge or not.
What is Playing the Tape Through?
Among opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, this type of withdrawal is considered the most dangerous and can be life-threatening if untreated.
What is alcohol withdrawal?
EDI
What is "Easy Does It"
What everyone in recovery is worthy of, especially from ourselves.
What is forgiveness and compassion?
Christian-based 12-step program that uses biblical principles and group support to help people overcome addiction and other struggles.
What is Celebrate Recovery?
Moving through urges that rise, peak, and pass—like a wave, resolving in about 20 minutes if you don't act on them.
What is Urge Surfing?
This acronym describes lingering withdrawal symptoms, like mood swings, sleep problems, and cravings, that can last for weeks or months after stopping a substance.
What is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
KCB
What is "Keep Coming Back"
Finding the pause between thought and action can help us with this.
What is emotional regulation (or responding mindfully)?
A nonreligious support group that helps people build and strengthen their personal recovery plan through peer support and self-empowerment.
What is LifeRing Secular Recovery?
This seven-letter DBT acronym lists distraction skills like Activities, Contributing, and Sensations to help manage urges without acting on them.
What is ACCEPTS? (Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing away, Thoughts, Sensations)
This medication blocks opioid receptors and is used to help prevent relapse in both alcohol and opioid use disorders.
What is naltrexone?
IWIYWI
What is "It Works If You Work It"
Challenging and changing these can help our growth and healing tremendously in recovery.
What are internalized beliefs?