Addiction 101
This powerful neurotransmitter is released in the brain's reward system, creating the 'high' that drugs reinforce.
Dopamine
An internal or external event that increases the risk of returning to substance use.
Trigger
A key recovery slogan encouraging focus on the present moment.
One day at a time.
The year Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded by Bill W. and Dr. Bob in Akron, Ohio.
1935
This legendary musician, whose struggles with alcohol were well-known, inspired the famous song "Rehab," but sadly passed away from alcohol poisoning in 2011.
Amy Winehouse
A physical state where the body needs a substance to function normally and shows symptoms when the substance is stopped.
Dependence or Physical Dependence.
In recovery, what does the acronym HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired
An effective coping skill for calming the nervous system that involves focusing on five senses to bring you back to the moment.
Grounding or Mindfulness
This important action in the 12-Step program involves making amends to people you've harmed, provided doing so won't injure them or others.
This influential rapper and record executive has been vocal about his commitment to a sober lifestyle since the early 2000s, often promoting meditation and healthy habits.
Eminem
This is the immediate, painful physical and mental process that occurs when a person stops using a substance after dependence has developed.
Withdrawal
A plan that prepares you for high-risk situations and identifies specific actions to maintain sobriety.
Relapse Prevention Plan
A helpful activity like yoga, reading, or meditation that you do to take care of yourself.
Self-Care
The willingness to accept painful feelings and difficulties as a normal part of life, rather than fighting or escaping them.
Acceptance
Known for his distinctive voice and decades of sobriety, this rock legend and reality TV star used his public platform to be open about his recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Ozzy Osbourne
This is the term for needing increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.
Tolerance
This involves using coping skills to manage cravings, rather than just waiting for them to pass.
Urge Surfing
The practice of setting healthy limitations in relationships to protect your time, energy, and sobriety.
Boundaries
A non-12-step recovery program that emphasizes self-empowerment and the use of rational thinking to achieve sobriety.
SMART
This iconic horror novelist and author channeled his struggles with alcohol and cocaine into his terrifying fiction and has been sober since the late 1980s.
Stephen King
A term for medications like naltrexone or methadone that are used to help manage withdrawal and prevent relapse.
MAT or Medicated Assisted Therapy
The physical and emotional discomfort that can persist for months after the acute withdrawal phase.
PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)
In therapy, this is the process of identifying core beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to self-defeating behaviors.
Cognitive Restructuring or Reframing
An essential guide in a 12-Step program, this person helps a newcomer work through the steps.
Sponsor
The actor and comedian known for his voice work as Homer Simpson has maintained long-term sobriety, which he views as essential to his success.
Dan Castellaneta