Substance Abuse Terminology
Recovery Facts
12 Step Program
Signs and Symptoms
Misscellaneous
100

State of being free from the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

What is Sobriety

100

Structured living environment that provides support for individuals in recovery, helping them transition back to independent living while maintaining sobriety.

What is Sober Living

100

H.A.L.T. 

Stop and ask yourself if you are: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired 

100

This word means choosing not to use drugs or alcohol.

What is Abstinence

100

This small action, like going for a walk or taking deep breaths, can help manage stress and cravings.

What is a Coping SKill

200

Process of removing toxic substances from the body, typically as a first step in addiction treatment.

What is Detoxification

200

When a person stops using AOD and does not work a recovery program or make any other changes in their life.  

What is a dry drunk

200

H.O.W. 

Honesty, Openmindedness, Willingness: Essential principles that build the foundation of recovery. 

200

The need to use more and more of a substance.

What is Tolerance

200

The 3 Stages of Relapse 

Emotional, Mental, Physical 

300

Strong, intense desires or urges to use a substance are often experienced by individuals in recovery and are a common challenge in addiction treatment.

What is Cravings

300

An individual who has experience in recovery and offers guidance and support to someone newer in the recovery process.

What is a Sponsor

300

Admitting powerlessness over addiction and recognizing that life has become unmanageable due to substance use.

What is the First Step

300

Mental condition where a person loses touch with reality.

What is Psychosis

300

This person is trained to help others through recovery and has "lived experience" with addiction and mental health conditions who is willing to share their experience to support recovery. 

What is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist 

400

Structured process where family members, friends, or professionals talk with someone about their substance abuse and encourage them to seek treatment or help.

What is Intervention

400

A Person, Place, thing, situation or feeling that makes you want to use again.

What is a Trigger

400

When a more experienced member of AA starts pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship with a newcomer


What is the 13th Step

400

Shakiness, sweating, queasiness or vomiting, headache—when unable to take the substance.

What is withdrawal

400

This important daily habit in recovery helps you reflect, stay focused, and set goals.  It also helps us connect between the way we think, feel, and behave.  

What is Journaling

500

Condition characterized by an individual’s inability to control their use of a substance, despite harmful consequences, and often involves physical and psychological dependence.

What is Substance Use Disorder  (Will accept Addiction)

500

Taking care of your physical and mental health to stay sober.

What is Self-Care
500

The Promises are said to begin materializing after working this Step 

What is Step 9

500

A set of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and increased blood pressure after using excessive alcohol consumption. 

What is a hangover

500

This feeling is common in early recovery and can be helped by talking to others or attending meetings.

What is Lonliness