Recovery Lingo
This is what "sobriety" generally refers to in recovery circles
What is abstaining from drugs and alcohol?
This is the first step in most 12-step programs.
What is admitting powerlessness over the substance?
Many people in recovery count these to track their progress.
What are days of sobriety?
This simple practice can calm anxiety and is often recommended in stressful moments.
What is deep breathing?
$100: Getting enough of this each night helps you feel better, think clearly, and manage cravings.
🛎️ What is sleep?
A popular acronym in recovery that stands for “Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired”.
What is HALT
This step involves making a list of all persons harmed and becoming willing to make amends.
What is step 8?
This type of partner helps guide others through the 12 steps.
What is a sponsor?
This coping skill involves writing down thoughts and feelings.
What is journaling?
$200: Starting the day with this activity—like prayer, meditation, or quiet time—can help set a positive tone.
🛎️ What is a morning routine?
This term describes a return to substance use after a period of abstinence.
What is relapse?
This step encourages individuals to turn their will over to a higher power.
What is Step 3?
This is a celebration held at meetings to honor time in sobriety.
What is a sobriety birthday or chip ceremony?
This recovery tool involves reaching out to someone when you’re struggling.
What is calling your sponsor (or support person)?
This simple daily habit—like brushing your teeth, showering, or doing laundry—can help you feel better and more in control.
🛎️ What is self-care?
The term for a mutual-help meeting where people share their stories to support each other.
What is a 12-step meeting?
The traditional text used by Alcoholics Anonymous is commonly referred to as this.
What is the Big Book?
This term describes the intense desire or urge to use a substance, often triggered by emotions, memories, or situations.
What is a craving?
Going for a walk, doing art, or listening to music are all examples of this kind of coping strategy.
🛎️ What are healthy distractions?
Doing this regularly, even if it’s just walking or stretching, is good for your body and mind.
🛎️ What is exercise (or moving your body)?
A common recovery phrase that encourages staying in the present and not worrying about tomorrow.
What is “One day at a time”?
This step involves ongoing personal inventory and admitting wrongs when they occur.
What is step 10?
This is what many people in recovery create to identify their goals, support system, coping strategies, and warning signs of relapse.
What is a recovery plan?
This is the practice of staying aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment.
🛎️ What is mindfulness?
This is what you’re doing when you set a goal, take small steps toward it, and don’t give up—especially when things get hard.
🛎️ What is rebuilding your life (or working toward recovery)?
🛎️ What is commitment?
🛎️ What is perseverance?
🛎️ What is setting goals?