Recovery sayings
This phrase reminds you to focus on today, not tomorrow.
what is One Day at a Time
This step admits we are powerless over our addiction.
What is Step 1
This is the return to substance use after a period of sobriety.
What is relapse?
Taking deep breaths or counting to 10 when stressed is an example of this type of coping.
What is relaxation / breathing techniques?
External people, places, or events that can lead someone to use substances are called this.
What are triggers?
A common saying emphasizes that small steps accumulate into long-term change.
What is Let Go & Let God
Step 4 asks for a fearless and thorough moral ______.
What is inventory?
Recognizing these early warning signs can prevent a full relapse.
What are triggers?
This skill involves talking to a sponsor, therapist, or trusted friend when struggling.
What is seeking support / talking it out?
Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed can serve as this type of relapse trigger.
What are emotional triggers?
Often used in AA, this saying encourages living in the present moment.
What is Coping & Strength
Step 5 involves admitting the exact nature of our wrongs to ourselves, our higher power, and this person.
What is another person (often sponsor)?
This type of relapse happens first in the mind, often before physical use.
What is emotional or mental relapse?
Engaging in a hobby, exercise, or creative activity to manage cravings is called this.
What is healthy distraction / engagement?
Boredom, loneliness, or isolation are examples of this category of triggers.
What are internal triggers / emotional states?
In recovery, releasing worry and fear to a higher power is known as this.
What is “Surrender”?
Step 9 involves making ______ directly wherever possible.
What are amends?
Feeling overconfident in your recovery and thinking “I can handle it” can lead to this.
What is complacency / overconfidence?
Identifying and planning for triggers before they happen is part of this type of coping.
What is planning / proactive coping?
This acronym reminds you to check if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, which can all trigger relapse.
What is HALT?
This saying emphasizes faith over personal control.
What is “Faith Over Fear”?
“We make amends to those we have harmed except when to do so would injure them…” is part of which step?
What is Step 9?
In relapse prevention, keeping a journal or log of triggers and emotions supports this.
What is self-monitoring / journaling?
Mindfulness, meditation, or grounding exercises are examples of this coping approach.
What is mindfulness / meditation?
Seeing old friends or going to places associated with past use is an example of this trigger.
What are environmental triggers?