Recovery Lingo
This 4-letter acronym stands for a dangerous moment of hunger, anger, loneliness, or tiredness.
What is HALT?
The part of the brain responsible for reward, motivation, and addiction.
What is the limbic system (or dopamine system)?
This emotion can often lead to cravings if not dealt with.
What is stress?
The number of hours in a day you’ve got to stay sober.
What is 24?
When you’re newly sober and suddenly have feelings, it's called this dramatic soap opera.
What is “As the Emotions Turn”?
This 12-step phrase means giving control to a higher power.
What is “Let go and let God”?
This neurotransmitter is the brain’s “feel good” chemical often hijacked by substances.
What is dopamine?
Going here might be a trigger if you used to party there.
What is a bar (or club)?
This thing gets better with sobriety: skin, sleep, or Netflix recommendations?
What is sleep (and skin, but not Netflix)?
This craving isn’t for a drink—it’s for sugar. Your body is saying this.
What is “I miss dopamine, give me cake”?
A “dry drunk” is someone who has stopped doing this, but hasn’t changed their thinking or behaviors.
What is drinking (or using)?
Tolerance happens because the body does this in response to frequent use.
What is adapts?
These are positive ways to manage triggers, like journaling or deep breathing.
What are coping skills?
This word means having fun without needing substances. Yes, it exists.
What is sober fun?
This craving isn’t for a drink—it’s for sugar. Your body is saying this.
What is sparkling water (LaCroix, anyone)?
This term refers to going back to old behaviors, even if you haven’t used yet.
What is a relapse?
This word means needing more of a substance to feel the same effect.
What is tolerance?
A 3-letter emergency response technique that can help you pause and breathe before reacting.
What is DBT’s STOP? (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed mindfully)
Recovery isn't just about quitting—it's also about building this.
What is a meaningful life (or healthy routine)?
When you realize your old friend group was 90% alcohol and 10% bad decisions.
What is “What was I thinking?”
This kind of support person has "been there, done that" and helps others through the recovery journey
What is a sponsor?
This term describes the physical or psychological symptoms after stopping use.
What is withdrawal?
This technique involves grounding yourself using your five senses.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?
Going to this kind of group meeting regularly can support long-term sobriety.
What is a support group (like AA/NA)?
The first time you try meditation and your brain throws a rave.
What is “How do I shut this thing off?”