12 Steps
What is the first step of NA/AA?
We admitted that we were powerless over drugs and our lives had become unmanageable
Once you've gone through rehab, you're "cured"
Myth! Addiction is a lifelong condition. Recovery is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort, including support groups, therapy, and sometimes medication, to maintain sobriety.
____ day at a time
One day at a time
What are examples of self-care?
Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, hydration, talking walks in nature, having a hobby, going to therapy, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction
____ is the most commonly abused substance in America
Alcohol
What is a 90 in 90?
Going to 90 meetings in 90 days
Addiction is a disease that affects the brains rewards system
True! When someone uses substances, their brain releases dopamine, a "feel-good" chemical. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on these substances to produce dopamine, which can result in cravings and a compulsion to use despite negative consequences. This explains why someone with addiction may struggle to stop using substances, even when they want to.
____ not perfection
Progress not perfection
What are examples of coping skills?
Deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, exercise, journaling, and practicing gratitude, utilizing support network
Most common age range of Americans that are likely to use addictive drugs
18-25
Who should you work the steps with?
A sponsor
Addiction is a choice
Myth! Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain. It involves changes in brain structure and function, making it extremely difficult for individuals to simply stop using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors, even if they want to.
Recovery is a ____, not a ____
Recovery is a journey, not a destination
What is HALT and why is it important?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. People in recovery should check in with themselves when they’re feeling these emotions and find ways to address them before they become overwhelming
Which state has the highest overdose rate?
West Virginia
What does "H.O.W" stand for?
Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness
Genetics can play a role in the development of addiction, but environmental factors, such as stress or trauma, can also contribute
True! Addiction doesn’t have a single cause, but both genetic and environmental factors influence its development. Research shows that genetics account for around 40-60% of a person’s risk for developing addiction. If a person has a family history of addiction, they may be more predisposed to developing a substance use disorder. Environmental factors, such as childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, peer pressure, or stress, can also increase the risk of addiction. These factors can affect brain development and coping mechanisms, making someone more vulnerable to using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors.
You ____ 7 times and ____ ____ 8
You fall 7 times and stand up 8
What are examples of relapse warning signs?
Decrease in attending support meetings, isolation, engaging in risky behavior, not attending therapy, living in character defects
___ million Americans battled a substance use disorder in the past year
48.5 million
What should you do when you go to your first NA/AA meeting?
Raise your hand, share who you are, ask for help, get phone numbers
You have to hit "rock bottom" before you can recover
Myth! People can start their recovery journey at any point, and the earlier they seek help, the better the chances for long-term success. Rock bottom is not a necessary precondition for recovery.
_____ we must or _____ we will
Change we must or die we will
Why are healthy boundaries important?
Setting boundaries with people, places, or activities that could lead to relapse is critical. Healthy boundaries help individuals protect their recovery.
Over ___ people die from drug overdoses in a year
96,700 people