Category 1
A direct, clear communication style in which a person stands up for their own needs and wants, while also taking into consideration the needs and wants of others.
Assertive communication / assertiveness
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gambler's Anonymous are all examples of programs with this type of format that can support a person in their recovery.
12-step fellowship
A group of physical and psychological symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in intake of drugs, following the development of dependence.
Withdrawal
When combined/mixed with alcohol, this substance can cause decreased heart rate, slowed respiration, and increase risk of overdose.
Benzodiazepines, sedatives, hypnotics, or opioids
Naltrexone and Acamprosate
Two medications that can help reduce alcohol cravings and treat alcohol use disorder
A style of communication in which a person expressed that only their own needs, wants, or feelings matter. The other person may be bullied and their needs are ignored.
Aggressive communication
A coping skill that can help with urges/cravings
Urge surfing, calling sponsor, attending a meeting
An intense, urgent, or overwhelming desire to use a substance (alcohol or drugs).
Craving
A more sustained, long-term return to previous addictive behaviors, often involving a loss of control and requiring renewed, intensive treatment
Relapse
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.
The first step of AA
A style of communication where a person prioritizes the needs, wants, and feeling of others, even at their own expense, and does not express their own needs/wants/feelings or stand up for themselves.
A disease involving continued substance use despite significant substance-related problems such as loss of control over substance use, social and occupational problems, risky use, and physical problems.
Addiction
The negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination directed toward people with substance use disorders (SUDs).
Stigma
The ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than are recommended or generally practiced, resulting in toxic, harmful, or fatal physical and mental symptoms
Overdose
Common effects include short-term memory impairment, reduced coordination, increased heart rate, and potential breathing issues. Frequent, long-term, or high-potency use is linked to a higher risk of psychosis or schizophrenia. It can also worsen depression and anxiety.
Cannabis
A style of speaking /expressing oneself that involves taking responsibility for one's own feelings while describing a problem. Follows the formula "I feel_____ when ______."
I-statements
An external stimulus (people, places, things) or internal state (emotions, thoughts, memories) that elicits a strong craving or urge to use substances, often leading to relapse.
A trigger
A brief, temporary slip-up on substances
Lapse
When administered can reverse an opioid overdose
Narcan or Naloxone
A set of strategies to detach from emotional pain by focusing on the outward or external world rather than inward towards oneself. Also called "distraction", "centering", or "healthy detachment."
Grounding
Meditation, mindfulness, exercise, therapy, calling a sober friend, and thinking of consequences are all examples of this useful tool in recovery
A coping skill
A personalized, written roadmap used in addiction recovery to identify triggers, recognize early warning signs, and implement coping strategies to maintain long-term sobriety. It acts as a guide to manage cravings and prevent a minor slip from becoming a full relapse.
A relapse prevention plan
A set of persistent psychological and neurological symptoms that occur after the initial physical withdrawal (detox) from addictive substances, often lasting for months or up to two years. It involves lingering brain chemistry imbalances causing anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, cravings, and cognitive issues.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
A public health approach focused on reducing the negative, dangerous consequences of behaviors like drug use, without requiring abstinence. Key principles include treating people with dignity, prioritizing safety, and reducing stigma. Examples include syringe exchanges and naloxone distribution,.
The limits and rules we set for ourselves in relationships. These have to be adjusted based on the person, place, and time in question.
Boundaries