12 Steps
Step 1 begins with admitting this about alcohol or drugs.
Powerlessness
This acronym reminds you to check in with basic needs that can increase your risk of relapse when unmet (four letters)
HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
This recovery phrase tells us not to worry about staying clean forever and instead focus on making it through the next 24 hours.
One Day at a Time OR Just For Today
This simple skill involves slowly inhaling and exhaling to help calm your body and mind.
Breathing Exercises
This "Iron Man" actor has been open about his long struggle with addiction and his successful recovery.
Robert Downey Jr.
This step involves taking personal responsibility for past harm by making things right when possible, and is often described as a key moment of rebuilding trust in recovery.
Step Nine
These are the three most common high-risk triggers for people in early recovery, especially if connected to our old way of life.
People, Place, and Things
This phrase is often said in meetings to remind people that healing takes repetition, and that showing up regularly—even when it doesn’t feel like it’s working—is part of what makes recovery stick.
Keep Coming Back
This reflective practice can help identify patterns in thinking and behavior by putting thoughts on paper.
Journaling
This rapper and "8 Mile" star has been in recovery since 2008 and often references it in his music.
Eminem
This step is where many share their deepest, darkest secrets for the first time, and often describe feeling a great burden lifted or even a spiritual experience afterward.
Step Five
This technique involves mentally walking through what would really happen if you picked up again.
Playing the Tape Through
This phrase reminds us that if we don’t make different choices in recovery, we can’t expect different results.
Nothing changes if nothing changes
This mindfulness-based practice involves focusing attention and awareness, often on the breath or body, to reduce stress.
Meditation
This legendary "Friends" actor wrote a memoir about his addiction to alcohol and opioids before passing away in 2023.
Matthew Perry
These two steps are where most either stall or fall off of their step-work completely, commonly due to shame, guilt, or fear.
Step Four and Step Nine
This type of relapse starts before the actual use, often showing up as isolation, mood swings, or disconnection from recovery.
Emotional Relapse
This metaphor means that once addiction has taken hold, you can’t go back to being a “normal” drinker or user.
You can't un-pickle a cucumber
This evidence-based therapy challenges negative thought patterns and helps develop healthier behaviors.
What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?
This female pop star and former Disney Channel star has shared publicly about her struggles with addiction, overdose, and bipolar disorder.
Demi Lovato
This part of Step 12 challenges people not just to talk recovery, but to live it in their day-to-day actions, relationships, and decision-making.
Practice these principles in all our affairs
These two areas—often overlooked—are among the biggest contributors to relapse in early recovery.
Medication Management and Relationships
This warning reminds people that if they spend too much time in risky environments, they’re more likely to relapse.
If you sit at the barber shop long enough, sooner or later you're going to get a haircut
This coping skill involves resisting an immediate urge in favor of a long-term reward or goal.
Delayed Gratification
This comedian and podcast host, known for his recovery-focused show and stand-up routines, is a vocal advocate for sobriety.
Russell Brand