Mental Health
What does the term “mental health” mean?
A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being; how they think, feel, and cope with life.
What is a “dry drunk”?
Someone who is not using substances but still engages in unhealthy thoughts or behaviors from active addiction.
Recite the Serenity Prayer
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
What’s one thing you can do in the morning to start your day with a recovery mindset?
Practice gratitude, meditate, review daily goals, read a recovery affirmation, or pray.
This actor, who starred in Iron Man, is open about his recovery.
Robert Downey Jr.
True or False: Mental health struggles are a sign of weakness.
False. Mental health issues can affect anyone and seeking help shows strength.
What does “co-occurring disorder” mean?
When someone experiences both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time.
What is the 2nd step of the 12-steps?
"Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."
What is a "sober support network," and why is it important?
A group of peers, mentors, or professionals who support your recovery journey—helps with accountability, emotional support, and relapse prevention.
This country singer wrote "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and has been sober for years
Alan Jackson or Kenny Chesney
Define cognitive distortions and give two examples.
Irrational, biased ways of thinking that reinforce negative beliefs. Examples: “All-or-nothing thinking” and “catastrophizing.”
What does “progress, not perfection” mean in recovery?
Recovery is about growth and learning from mistakes, not being perfect.
In which step do you make amends?
Step 9 – "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible..."
What is the HALT acronym, and why is it important?
HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired—common relapse triggers to be aware of and manage.
This talk show host and comedian has been sober since the early 90s (hint: voice of Dory)
Ellen DeGeneres
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness is temporary; clinical depression is persistent and affects daily functioning for two weeks or more.
What is “PAWS” and what does it stand for?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome — a set of symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, or sleep issues that can occur weeks or months after stopping substance use.
Why is honesty considered a key spiritual principle in working the 12 Steps?
Because recovery requires truthfulness with oneself and others; honesty helps break denial, build trust, and promote personal growth.
Name 3 ways you can create a safe home environment that supports sobriety.
Removing substances, setting rules around visitors, establishing quiet or reflective spaces, displaying affirmations or recovery tools.
Name a professional athlete who is in recovery.
Chris Herren (NBA), Daryl Strawberry (MLB), or others.
What is emotional dysregulation, and how might it show up in daily life?
Difficulty managing emotional responses, often leading to mood swings, impulsive behaviors, or overreacting to stress.
What does staying clean but living dirty mean?
This phrase refers to someone who is abstinent from drugs or alcohol (i.e., "clean"), but still engaging in unhealthy, dishonest, or destructive behaviors that resemble active addiction. They're not using, but they're also not working a program or living in alignment with recovery principles.
How do Steps 4 and 5 help reduce shame and guilt in recovery?
By allowing individuals to take a moral inventory (Step 4) and share it with another person and a Higher Power (Step 5), releasing hidden burdens and beginning emotional healing.
How does practicing self-compassion impact long-term recovery?
It reduces shame, builds resilience, supports emotional healing, and helps individuals forgive themselves and stay committed to growth.
Name a celebrity who has started a foundation or spoken out publicly to reduce stigma around addiction.
Demi Lovato, Russell Brand, or Macklemore.