Stages Of Recovery
When you are not thinking about changing substance abuse behavior and may not consider substance abuse to be a problem
Precontemplation
This drug is a central nervous system depressant. Causes relaxation, lowered inhibitions, slurred speech, poor coordination, as well as blackouts, liver and brain damage, and even cancer
Alcohol
This word stands for the H in HALT
Hungry.
Withdrawal causes sweats, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, restlessness, and muscle spasms.
Fentanyl (opioids)
Name some ways to manage stress
Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, positive self talk, time management.
You still use substances, but are beginning to think about cutting back or quitting substance use
Contemplation
This drug causes relaxation, hightened sensory perception, increased appetite, as well as impaired memory, anxiety/paranoia, and increased risk of mental health issues.
Marijuana (weed, cannabis)
This word stands for the A in HALT
Angry
Withdrawal causes fatigue, lack of energy, depression, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), anxiety, mood swings, suicidal ideation, and weight gain.
Crystal Meth
Name some healthy habits
Diet, exercise, routine/structure, creative activities (art, music, etc.)
You still use substances, but intend to stop since we have recognized the advantages of quitting and the undesirable consequences of continued use. Planning for change begins
Preperation
This drug causes intense euphoria, energy, alertness, and increased heart rate --- as well as agression, paranoia/delusions, psychosis, brain damage, and increased risk of stroke/heart attack.
Crystal Meth
This word stands for the L in HALT
Lonely
Withdrawal causes shaking/tremors, anxiety, irritability, nausea/vomiting, lack of appetite, depression, hallucinations, seizures, and even death.
Alcohol
Name some spiritual wellness practices.
Prayer, meditation, acts of service/helping others, finding purpose.
You choose a strategy for discontinuing substance use and begin to make the changes needed to carry out their plan. This period generally lasts 3–6 months
Action
This drug causes intense euphoria and relaxation, drowsiness, confusion, as well as slowed breathing/heart rate, nausea, coma, and high rates of overdose.
Fentanyl/Opiates
This word stands for the T in HALT
Tired
Withdrawal causes mood swings, low appetite, insomnia, depression, irritability, stomach problems and intense and unpleasant vivid dreams.
Marijuana (weed, cannabis)
What are some ways to find social support in recovery?
Family, friends, 12-step, peers, SUD groups, SUD hotline.
You work to sustain abstinence and evade relapse. From this stage, some of us may exit substance use permanently.
Maintenance
This drug is a powerful hallucinagen causing dissociation, distorted sense of reality, numbness, confusion, as well as paranoia, psychosis, delusion, and aggression.
PCP
Bonus: Another acronym for triggers is RID, what do the letters R-I-D stand for?
Restless, Irritable, Discontent
Withdrawal causes hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, hallucinations, irritability, nausea, vomiting, depression, and poor memory.
Inhalants (nitrous, duster, etc)
What do you do if you feel like you're going to relapse?
Reach out to social support system, go to a 12-step meeting, grounding techniques, call the crisis hotline, play the tape through.