The 12 Steps
This is the most important step and the one you must get right every single day.
Step 1
This actor famously said "I’m a grateful recovering alcoholic" and starred in Iron Man, a role mirroring his real-life journey with addiction.
Robert Downey Jr.
Long-term use of this substance can lead to liver disease, memory loss, and a higher risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (aka “wet brain”).
Alcohol
There is an opportunity for you to share in a meeting, but you aren't sure what to say.
A. “I’ll keep it honest—even if it’s messy.”
B. “I don’t want to sound stupid. I’d rather say nothing than look weak.”
C. “I’ll speak from the heart, even if it’s not perfect.”
D. “I’m nervous, but that’s okay. It’s part of growing.”
✅ Correct Answer: B – Ego tries to avoid vulnerability to protect an image of competence.
Name one type of breathing technique.
4-7-8. Box breathing. Alternate Nostril Breathing. Physiological sigh.
This step goes off of the principle of "in order to keep it we must give it away."
Step 12
This Pirates of the Caribbean actor has spoken about struggles with alcohol and cited emotional pain as a trigger.
Johnny Depp
Prolonged use of this class of drugs can lead to collapsed veins, abscesses, chronic constipation, and a decreased ability to feel pleasure.
Opioids
You’re asked to write a gratitude list for morning group.
A. “I’ll try it. I don’t feel grateful, but maybe it’ll help.”
B. “I’m grateful for another chance to do better.”
C. “Gratitude lists are dumb. This place is a daycare center.”
D. “I’m grateful for the chance to slow down and think clearly.”
✅ Correct Answer: C – That’s sarcastic ego: rejecting the process to avoid emotional engagement.
This physical activity boosts mood, reduces cravings, and improves brain chemistry. Also increases dopamine, helps repair dopamine receptors, releases endorphins, and endocannabinoids mimicking the euphoric feeling of cannabis.
Exercise
This step invites us to acknowledge the wrongs we have done to others and seek to make amends to them. Except when to do so would hurt others.
Step 9
This Canadian singer, known for “Baby,” opened up about overcoming substance use and mental health struggles.
Justin Beiber
Chronic use of this stimulant may result in extreme paranoia, skin picking, violent behavior, and severe dental decay
Meth
You’re thinking about making an amends to someone you hurt, but unsure how they will respond.
A. “That's in the past, I need to focus on today."
B. “I’ll do it because it’s part of cleaning my side of the street.”
C. “I can’t control how they respond, I can only control my choices.”
D. “This is about healing, not getting something back.”
✅ Correct Answer: A – Ego fears vulnerability and will try to justify delaying or not doing the amends so as to avoid feeling shame and vulnerability.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings to process them is an example of this reflective practice
Journaling
Meditation and prayer are emphasized in this step for spiritual growth.
Step 11
Known for Mean Girls, this actress has had multiple rehab stays and now advocates for sobriety.
Lindsey Lohan
Insomnia, anxiety, increase of the stress hormone Cortisol, and mood disturbance all relate to use of this substance with headaches being its main withdrawal symptom.
Caffeine
You receive praise for your progress.
A. “I’ve worked hard, and it feels good to be seen.”
B. “They don’t know the real me. I probably fooled them.”
C. “I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.”
D. “Let me use this to encourage someone else.”
✅ Correct Answer: B – Ego can’t receive love or validation—it hides behind false humility and unworthiness.
This coping skills known as _____ therapy. Uses temperature to reduces inflammation, increases dopamine, and induce present state awareness by shocking the system.
Cold/Ice
Which step humbly asks our higher power to remove our character defects.
step 7
This founding member of Fleetwood Mac described getting clean after years of cocaine use and hallucinations.
Mic Fleetwood
Extended use of these volatile chemicals can cause lasting damage to the brain’s white matter, leading to problems with movement, memory, and emotions—even after quitting.
Inhalants
You’re reflecting on your age and where you’re at in recovery.
A. “Everyone’s path is different—I’m doing my work now.”
B. “I’m too old to start over. What’s the point?”
C. “This pain could be the start of something better.”
D. “Better late than never—I still have time.”
✅ Correct Answer: B – Ego tries to use despair to avoid effort and protect from future disappointment.
Name at least 5 recovery support groups.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
For: Individuals recovering from alcohol addiction.
About: A 12-step, peer-led fellowship focused on sobriety and spiritual growth.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
For: Individuals recovering from drug addiction.
About: 12-step program open to all drug addictions. Focuses on spiritual principles and group support.
Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
For: Individuals recovering from cocaine or other mind-altering substance use.
About: Based on the AA model with a focus on cocaine addiction and related drugs.
Heroin Anonymous (HA)
For: People recovering specifically from heroin addiction.
About: A 12-step fellowship modeled after AA but focused on heroin and opiate recovery.
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
For: Those recovering from methamphetamine addiction.
About: A 12-step program with a strong online presence and specific focus on meth use.
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
For: Individuals recovering from marijuana dependency.
About: 12-step recovery group tailored for marijuana-related addiction.
SMART Recovery
For: Individuals recovering from all types of addictions.
About: A science-based, self-empowering alternative to 12-step programs, focusing on CBT tools and behavior change.
Celebrate Recovery
For: Christians recovering from addiction, trauma, or other life struggles.
About: A Christ-centered 12-step program often hosted in churches, open to all "hurts, habits, and hang-ups."
Refuge Recovery
For: Individuals in recovery seeking a Buddhist approach.
About: Uses meditation, mindfulness, and the Four Noble Truths as a recovery path.
Recovery Dharma
For: Individuals in recovery seeking a secular Buddhist framework.
About: Peer-led, non-theistic group emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living.
LifeRing Secular Recovery
For: People seeking a secular alternative to 12-step recovery.
About: Focuses on personal empowerment and peer support without religious or spiritual content.
Women for Sobriety (WFS)
For: Women in recovery from substance use.
About: A self-help program emphasizing emotional and spiritual growth, empowerment, and positivity.
Moderation Management (MM)
For: People seeking to reduce drinking without complete abstinence.
About: Provides support for moderation goals, harm reduction, and self-monitoring.