Social Figures Who Struggled with Substance Abuse
Statistical Negative Impacts of Substance Use
DBT & CBT Skills
Detox & Medical Facts Regarding Substances
Fun Facts
The Bright Side of Sobriety
Recovery Wellness: Nutrition, Health & Relapse Prevention
100
This NBA legend and former Sixers player publicly battled alcoholism before later becoming an advocate for recovery.
Who is Charles Barkley?
100
Research has found that individuals with opioid use disorder are at this high of a risk of fatal overdose in the first year of treatment.
What is 10 times higher?
100
This CBT technique is used to identify and challenge irrational thoughts, helping people to reframe thinking patterns that contribute to distress.
What is Cognitive Restructuring?
100
Chronic use of this stimulant can damage dopamine receptors in the brain, leading to long-lasting mood disturbances and memory issues.
What is Cocaine?
100
Known for its addictive properties, this substance was first used in ancient China as an herbal remedy, but by the 19th century, it became a popular recreational drug.
What is Opium?
100
This organ, which filters toxins, often shows measurable signs of healing just weeks into sobriety.
What is the liver?
100
This essential nutrient, found in foods like leafy greens and citrus fruits, helps the brain produce serotonin, which supports mood regulation in early recovery.
What is folate (or Vitamin B9)?
200
Known for her hit songs like "I Will Always Love You," this singer struggled with substance abuse throughout her career but also spoke openly about her recovery process.
Who is Whitney Houston?
200
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), this is the percentage of alcohol-related deaths that occur in individuals aged 18-34.
What is about 25%?
200
In DBT, this skill involves changing unhealthy patterns by replacing them with more effective behaviors, especially in moments of intense emotion.
What is Distress Tolerance?
200
This substance’s withdrawal symptoms can include severe muscle pain, nausea, and uncontrollable cravings, often requiring a medically supervised detox process.
What is Opioids?
200
In the U.S., the average age of first use for alcohol is around this age, with most individuals starting in their teens.
What is age 13?
200
People in early recovery often experience better sleep quality, which supports this vital cognitive function.
What is memory (or brain function)?
200
Regularly engaging in this activity for at least 30 minutes a day has been shown to reduce cravings and improve mood during early recovery.
What is exercise (or physical activity)?
300
This actor, known for his iconic role as Sweeny Todd, What's Eating Gilbert Grapes, and previously owned the iconic Viper Room club, has publicly battled substance abuse issues, including alcohol and drugs like Opioids, throughout his career.
Who is Johnny Depp?
300
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this percentage of people who use illicit drugs will develop a substance use disorder.
What is about 30%?
300
This CBT method helps individuals set realistic and measurable goals to improve their behavior and emotional well-being.
What is Behavioral Activation?
300
Alcohol withdrawal can cause a condition called delirium tremens (DTs), which includes confusion, hallucinations, and can be fatal if left untreated.
What is Alcohol?
300
This plant-based substance, often associated with “weed” or “pot,” is legal for recreational use in this many states as of 2025.
What is 24 states?
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washingto
300
This hobby, which includes poses like "Downward Dog" and "Warrior," is known to reduce stress and boost emotional regulation.
What is yoga?
300
Skipping meals or eating high-sugar foods can trigger these physical states that mimic substance cravings.
What are hunger and blood sugar crashes?
400
What actor starred in Two and a Half Men and struggled with substance abuse?
Who is Charlie Sheen?
400
Chronic alcohol use has been shown to increase the risk of developing liver disease, with an estimated 40-50% of heavy drinkers developing this condition.
What is cirrhosis of the liver?
400
DBT teaches this skill to help individuals improve their interpersonal relationships and reduce conflict.
What is Interpersonal Effectiveness?
400
This drug can cause hallucinations and out-of-body experiences, and detox can lead to disorientation and agitation due to its dissociative effects.
What is Ketamine?
400
In 2019, researchers found that about one in ten people who drink alcohol will develop this at some point in their lives.
What is alcohol dependence?
400
Sobriety can improve this physical characteristic—often noticed in the mirror—within a few weeks due to better hydration and nutrition.
What is skin health (or complexion)?
400
This type of healthy fat, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, supports brain healing and reduces inflammation after substance use.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
500
This legendary country singer’s addiction to pills and alcohol is well-documented, but her recovery journey has inspired many in the recovery community.
Who is Dolly Parton?
500
According to the CDC, the economic cost of illicit drug use in the U.S. exceeds this amount annually, factoring in healthcare, crime, and lost productivity.
What is $2.5 trillion?
500
A key CBT approach, this skill involves taking small steps toward facing fears and challenges, ultimately reducing avoidance behaviors.
What is Exposure Therapy?
500
This powerful stimulant increases heart rate and body temperature; its withdrawal symptoms may include depression and extreme fatigue, and can last for days.
What is Methamphetamines?
500
This notorious rock band famously wrote a song called “Heroin,” which was a metaphor for addiction, and had members who struggled with their own substance use.
Who is The Velvet Underground?
500
This natural "feel-good" chemical in the brain starts to regulate more steadily during recovery, helping improve mood without substances.
What is dopamine?
500
Creating and sticking to this type of daily plan, which includes meals, sleep, and sober activities, can help reduce impulsivity and prevent relapse.
What is a structured routine (or daily schedule)?
600
This famous rock 'n' roll guitarist was known for his battles with heroin addiction but overcame it to continue playing music for decades.
Who is Eric Clapton?
600
Studies show that this percentage of people with substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health disorder.
Many people who develop substance use disorders are also diagnosed with other mental health disorders, and vice versa. 2 According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35% of adults aged 18 and over in the U.S. who have a another mental disorder also have a substance use disorder.
600
In DBT, this skill helps individuals regulate their emotional responses by focusing on the present moment, without judgment.
What is Mindfulness?
600
Withdrawal from this substance can cause severe delirium, seizures, and even death due to its impact on the central nervous system.
What is Benzodiazepines?
600
This "club drug," commonly associated with raves, was originally developed as a treatment for PTSD before becoming a popular recreational substance.
What is Ecstasy (MDMA)?
600
Journaling, painting, playing an instrument, and gardening are all examples of these kinds of hobbies that help reduce cravings and increase joy.
What are sober coping skills (or creative outlets)?
600
Poor nutrition can lead to physical states that mimic emotional distress or cravings. In relapse prevention planning, this acronym stands for triggers that can lead to relapse and should be identified and managed proactively.
What is HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)?
