Terminology
A complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences
Addiction
Incorporating spiritual practices and values into recovery.
Events, circumstances, people, places, things that increase the desire to use.
Trigger
The opposite of acceptance. A symptom that an alcoholic or addict is still suffering, and has not yet given themselves over to their Higher Power
Denial
If someone has had an addiction to one substance they may transfer this addiction to another substance or behavior in an effort to mask feelings, to feel better, to avoid things, etc.
Cross Addiction
The act of not using/drinking
Sobriety or Abstinence
Establishing achievable goals to maintain motivation and track progress.
Goal Setting
A Desire To Experience the Positive Effects of Drug/Alcohol
Craving
A member who has been a part of the group for a fair amount of time, meaning they have been sober for some time, who takes a newcomer under their wing.
Sponsor
This process is about changing addictive behavior with new ways of thinking, acting, and behaving to promote effective and healthy coping skills.
Individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Recovery
Places and events where relapse is more likely to occur.
High Risk Situation
Establishing and respecting personal boundaries to promote healthy relationships.
Personal Boundaries
Stages of Relapse
Emotional-during this stage, denial is a big part of emotional relapse.
1) bottling up emotions; 2) isolating; 3) not going to meetings; 4) going to meetings but not sharing; 5) focusing on others (focusing on other people’s problems or focusing on how other people affect them); and 6) poor eating and sleeping habits. The common denominator of emotional relapse is poor self-care, in which self-care is broadly defined to include emotional, psychological, and physical care.
Mental-In mental relapse, there is a war going on inside people’s minds. Part of them wants to use, but part of them doesn’t. As individuals go deeper into mental relapse, their cognitive resistance to relapse diminishes and their need for escape increases.
Physical-Finally, physical relapse is when an individual starts using again. Some researchers divide physical relapse into a “lapse” (the initial drink or drug use) and a “relapse” (a return to uncontrolled using)
The organization was created to help families and loved ones of alcoholics find their own recovery
Al-Anon/Alateen
People who suffer from addiction have a dysregulation of this neurotransmitter in the limbic system of their brains and This dysregulation leaves the brain unable to tell the difference between substances.
Dopamine
Relapse Prevention
Taking necessary steps to avoid using/drinking environments, situations and behaviors by openly talking about triggers, relapse warning signs and high risk situations with a sober support team and using new skills to combat thoughts and behaviors that lead to using/drinking.
Taking ownership of one's actions and their impact on oneself and others.
Responsibility
1.Euphoric Recall
2.Awfulizing Abstinence
3.Magical Thinking about Use
4. Denial & Evasion
Psychological Setups for using
Set of guiding principles that help members recognize their errors, make amends, and learn to live a new life.
12 Steps
Denial, lying, minimizing, rationalizing
Thinking Errors-Cognitive Distortions
Very common Relapse Warning Sign
HALT
Hungry • Angry • Lonely • Tired
Practicing techniques to stay present and manage emotions.
Mindfulness and Meditation
How to stop Craving Episodes - 5 D’s
1.Delay
2.Distract
3.Discuss
4.Drink - Hydrate
5.Deep Breath
The fundamental text of Narcotics Anonymous. It is composed of two books. The first book includes the twelve steps and traditions of the NA program, and the second includes personal stories from the NA community.
The Basic Text
The best chance for successful recovery is
Total abstinence.