Total Abstinence
This term refers to completely avoiding the use of alcohol or other mood-altering substances.
What is total abstinence?
This phrase reminds us that recovery is lived in small, manageable chunks.
What is One Day at a Time?
This happens when someone has little structure, too much free time, or nothing planned.
What is downtime?
In this stage, a person isn’t thinking about change and may not see a problem.
What is precontemplation?
This is the opposite of dishonesty and is considered a foundation of recovery.
What is honesty?
This type of abstinence includes avoiding not only substances but also behaviors and situations that trigger use.
What is behavioral abstinence?
Focusing on today prevents people from becoming overwhelmed by this.
What is the future?
Writing down 3 necessary tasks and 3 optional tasks creates this flexible structure.
What is a to-do list?
In this stage, a person is thinking about change but isn’t ready to act.
What is contemplation?
Believing you can control or manage your substance use is this kind of thinking.
What is denial?
The opposite of total abstinence, this term describes trying to control or limit substance use.
What is moderation/controlled use?
Reaching out to someone in recovery when struggling is using your ________.
What is your support network?
People often relapse when downtime mixes with this internal trigger, like stress or loneliness.
What is an emotional trigger?
In this stage, a person starts planning and preparing to make a change soon.
What is preparation?
This phrase describes when someone minimizes, rationalizes, or explains away their behavior.
What is justification?
Abstinence is sometimes described as necessary for this long-term goal that includes emotional and lifestyle changes.
What is recovery?
Many people recite this simple phrase when cravings hit: “I only have to stay sober for _____.”
What is today?
Downtime becomes dangerous when it turns into thinking about the past or future, also known as this.
What is rumination?
In this stage, a person has begun taking real steps toward change.
What is Action?
Being honest about urges helps prevent this backslide in recovery.
What is relapse?
Identifying these ahead of time helps someone stay abstinent when cravings hit.
What are coping strategies?
Thinking step-by-step instead of catastrophizing helps prevent this mental spiral.
What is future tripping?
Organizing your room or cleaning for 10 minutes helps fill downtime and gives this sense of accomplishment.
What is productivity? What is being productive?
In this stage, a person works to keep the change going and prevent relapse.
What is maintenance?
Being honest about your needs supports this long-term recovery outcome.
What is emotional health/stability?