Substance Abuse Terminology
State of being free from the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
What is Sobriety
Structured living environment that provides support for individuals in recovery, helping them transition back to independent living while maintaining sobriety.
What is Sober Living
H.A.L.T.
Stop and ask yourself if you are: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
This word means choosing not to use drugs or alcohol.
What is Abstinence
This small action, like going for a walk or taking deep breaths, can help manage stress and cravings.
What is a Coping SKill
Process of removing toxic substances from the body, typically as a first step in addiction treatment.
What is Detoxification
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
H.O.W.
Honesty, Openmindedness, Willingness: Essential principles that build the foundation of recovery.
The need to use more and more of a substance.
What is Tolerance
The 3 Stages of Relapse
Emotional, Mental, Physical
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
An individual who has experience in recovery and offers guidance and support to someone newer in the recovery process.
What is a Sponsor
Admitting powerlessness over addiction and recognizing that life has become unmanageable.
What is the First Step
Mental condition where a person loses touch with reality.
What is Psychosis
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
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
A Person, Place, thing, situation or feeling that makes you want to use again.
What is a Trigger
When a more experienced member of AA starts pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship with a newcomer
What is the 13th Step
Shakiness, sweating, queasiness or vomiting, headache—when unable to take the substance.
What is withdrawal
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
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)
Taking care of your physical and mental health to stay sober.
The Promises are said to begin materializing after working this Step
What is Step 9
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
This feeling is common in early recovery and can be helped by talking to others or attending meetings.
What is Lonliness