Recovery Terminology
Abstinence – Refraining from using alcohol or drugs.
Addiction Recovery – The process of overcoming substance dependence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Aftercare – Ongoing support and treatment following rehab to prevent relapse.
Alumni Program – Support groups for individuals who have completed a treatment program.
Behavioral Therapy – Psychological treatments that address unhealthy behaviors related to substance use.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) – A trained individual with lived experience who supports others in recovery.
Clinical Treatment – Medically supervised care for substance use disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A therapy that helps individuals change negative thought patterns.
Comprehensive Treatment Plan – A customized approach that includes medical, psychological, and social aspects of recovery.
Continuum of Care – A system that provides different levels of treatment based on recovery progress.
Coping Mechanisms – Strategies to manage stress and avoid relapse.
Counseling – Professional guidance to help individuals overcome substance use issues.
Crisis Intervention – Immediate support for individuals in acute distress due to substance use.
Detoxification (Detox) – The process of removing toxins from the body under medical supervision.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – A form of therapy focusing on emotional regulation and coping skills.
Early Recovery – The initial phase of sobriety where individuals learn to navigate life without substances.
Evidence-Based Treatment – Recovery methods supported by scientific research.
Family Therapy – Counseling that includes family members to improve relationships and support recovery.
Harm Reduction – Strategies to minimize the negative effects of substance use.
Holistic Treatment – Recovery approaches that focus on mind, body, and spirit (e.g., yoga, meditation).
Support & Recovery Programs
12-Step Program – A structured program for recovery, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) – A global fellowship that supports individuals in recovery through a 12-step process.
NA (Narcotics Anonymous) – A support group for people recovering from drug addiction.
SMART Recovery – A science-based program that teaches self-management skills for addiction recovery.
Celebrate Recovery – A Christian-based recovery program incorporating spiritual principles.
Sober Living Home – A transitional residence for people in early recovery.
Halfway House – A structured, sober living environment for people transitioning out of rehab.
Peer Support Group – Meetings where individuals in recovery share experiences and encouragement.
Sponsorship – A mentoring relationship in 12-step programs where a more experienced member guides a newcomer.
Recovery Coaching – Professional coaching to support individuals in achieving long-term sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – A structured treatment program that allows individuals to live at home while receiving therapy.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – A treatment program that provides intensive therapy while allowing individuals to return home at night.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – The use of medications like methadone or buprenorphine alongside therapy.
Relapse Prevention Program – A structured approach to identifying and managing relapse triggers.
Sober Companion – A professional who provides support to an individual in early recovery.
Al-Anon – A support group for family members of individuals with substance use disorders.
Nar-Anon – A support group for families of those struggling with drug addiction.
Refuge Recovery – A Buddhist-inspired recovery program focusing on mindfulness and meditation.
Wellbriety Movement – A Native American recovery movement integrating cultural and spiritual healing.
Recovery Retreat – A residential program offering immersive support and therapy.
Sobriety & Lifestyle Changes
Emotional Sobriety – The ability to manage emotions without using substances.
Financial Sobriety – Learning responsible money management in recovery.
Mental Sobriety – Achieving clarity of thought and emotional stability in recovery.
Physical Sobriety – Abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
Social Sobriety – Building healthy relationships in recovery.
Spiritual Sobriety – Developing a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
Self-Care – Engaging in activities that promote mental and physical well-being.
Healthy Boundaries – Setting limits to protect one’s sobriety.
Mindfulness – Being fully present in the moment to reduce stress and cravings.
Routine & Structure – Establishing daily habits that support recovery.
Relapse & Prevention Terms
Cravings – Intense urges to use substances.
Triggers – People, places, or emotions that increase the risk of relapse.
Relapse – A return to substance use after a period of sobriety.
Slip – A brief episode of substance use that does not lead to full relapse.
Relapse Prevention Plan – A strategy to avoid returning to substance use.
Coping Skills – Techniques to handle stress and avoid relapse.
Accountability Partner – A trusted person who supports recovery efforts.
Warning Signs – Behaviors or thoughts that indicate a potential relapse.
Resilience – The ability to overcome setbacks without turning to substances.
Recovery Capital – The personal and social resources that support long-term sobriety.
Treatment Medications
Buprenorphine – A medication for opioid addiction that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone – A long-acting opioid used in MAT to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – A medication that blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) – A medication that creates unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed.
Suboxone – A combination of buprenorphine and naloxone for opioid addiction treatment.
Long-Term Recovery
Sustained Recovery – Long-term sobriety with continued personal growth.
Service Work – Giving back to the recovery community through mentorship or volunteering.
Lifestyle Balance – Maintaining a healthy work-life-recovery balance.
Growth Mindset – A mindset focused on learning and improvement in recovery.
Personal Accountability – Taking responsibility for actions and commitments in recovery.
Mental Health Terms
Anxiety Disorder – Excessive worry or fear that affects daily life.
Bipolar Disorder – A mental illness with extreme mood swings between mania and depression.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – A disorder marked by unstable relationships, emotions, and self-image.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A therapy that helps people change negative thought patterns.
Comorbidity – The presence of two or more health conditions simultaneously.
Depression – A mood disorder with persistent sadness and loss of interest.
Dissociation – A mental process causing a disconnection from reality.
Eating Disorder – Conditions like anorexia and bulimia affecting food intake and body image.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – A treatment for severe depression using electrical stimulation.
Exposure Therapy – A treatment for phobias and PTSD by gradually confronting fears.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Chronic, excessive worry about various life aspects.
Hallucination – A perception of something that isn’t present, common in schizophrenia and substance use.
Insomnia – Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – A severe, long-lasting form of depression.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy – A practice that focuses on present-moment awareness to improve mental health.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – A condition marked by unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
Panic Attack – A sudden episode of intense fear with physical symptoms.
Personality Disorder – A group of mental health disorders affecting emotions and relationships.
Phobia – An irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – A condition following traumatic events, causing distressing memories.
Psychosis – A mental state with a loss of contact with reality.
Schizophrenia – A disorder with hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Self-Harm – Intentional injury to oneself as a coping mechanism.
Serotonin – A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, often linked to depression.
Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of social situations leading to avoidance.
Somatic Symptom Disorder – Excessive focus on physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
Suicidal Ideation – Thoughts of ending one’s life.
Suicide Prevention Hotline – A crisis service offering immediate help to those in distress.
Therapeutic Alliance – The relationship between a therapist and client that fosters healing.
Trauma-Informed Care – An approach recognizing the impact of trauma on mental health.
