Stars in Recovery
This actor, known for Iron Man, spent years battling addiction before making a major comeback in Hollywood.
Who is Robert Downey Jr.?
This Horseman attacks a partner’s character rather than a specific behavior and often begins with “you always” or “you never.”
What is criticism?
This simple physical action uses a rubber band or your fingers to create a quick, sharp sensation to interrupt harmful thoughts.
What is snapping?
This is the primary role of a sponsor in a Twelve Step program.
What is to guide a sponsee through the 12 Steps?
This person helps guide you through the 12 Steps and provides accountability.
What is a sponsor?
This Grammy-winning rapper, known for albums like Recovery and The Marshall Mathers LP, has been sober since 2008 after battling prescription drug addiction.
Who is Eminem?
Considered the most toxic of the Four Horsemen, this one includes sarcasm, mockery, eye-rolling, and name-calling.
What is contempt?
This thought-stopping method uses a mental image of a light switch or remote to “shut off” unwanted thoughts.
What is on/off visualization?
One of the most important qualities of a sponsor is doing this—especially when a sponsee is struggling or tempted to relapse.
What is being available or listening?
This type of therapy group is led by a licensed counselor and focuses on skills and support.
What is a process group or therapy group?
Known for her role in The Parent Trap, this actress has spoken publicly about her journey through rehab and sobriety.
Who is Lindsay Lohan?
This Horseman is a self-protection mechanism that sounds like making excuses, blaming, or playing the victim.
What is defensiveness?
This technique is used when cravings arise and can be relieved by breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly.
What is deep breathing?
Sponsors share this, not advice, when helping their sponsees.
What is their experience, strength, and hope?
These supportive people might be friends, family, or peers in recovery.
What is your support system?
This comedian and actor, formerly known for his wild antics, is now a recovery advocate and hosts a podcast called Under the Skin.
Who is Russell Brand?
When a partner emotionally shuts down, withdraws, or gives the "silent treatment," this Horseman is present.
What is stonewalling?
This two-word phrase describes using healthy tools to interrupt automatic negative thoughts before they lead to a relapse.
What is thought stopping?
A good sponsor does not try to control or fix a sponsee but instead offers this type of relationship.
What is support and guidance?
This kind of housing is drug- and alcohol-free and provides structure for people in early recovery.
What is sober living?
This pop star released a documentary called Dancing with the Devil chronicling her 2018 overdose and recovery journey.
Who is Demi Lovato?
This Horseman makes it nearly impossible to solve conflict because one or both partners refuse to take responsibility.
What is defensiveness?
This physical activity helps release stress hormones and shift focus away from cravings or negative thoughts.
What is exercise?
It’s suggested that a sponsor has worked through this before guiding someone else
What are the 12 Steps?
the name of the pledge you often make to yourself and others when committing to recovery.
What is a sobriety commitment or clean time pledge?
This chart-topping singer of "Someone Like You" has opened up about giving up alcohol to focus on her mental health and voice.
Who is Adele?
Instead of stonewalling, doing this can help regulate emotions and return to the conversation in a calmer state.
What is taking a break or self-soothing?
When you mentally or verbally recite numbers in order, often backward, to regain control of racing thoughts.
What is counting?
Sponsors typically help their sponsees with this, which is the first step in rebuilding trust and accountability.
What is working Step 4 (a personal inventory)?
These three things are often needed to stay clean: honesty, open-mindedness, and this.
What is willingness?