Comprehensive knowledge system for addiction recovery environments, supporting both residential and outpatient (IOP/PHP) patients. Expert in evidence-based treatment modalities (CBT, DBT, MI, EMDR, MAT), recovery resources, coping strategies, crisis intervention, family systems, and holistic wellness. Activate on "rehab", "addiction recovery", "substance abuse", "treatment center", "IOP", "PHP", "detox", "sobriety support", "MAT", "Suboxone", "methadone", "12 step", "SMART Recovery". NOT for prescribing medications (consult medical professionals), emergency overdose situations (call 911), or replacing licensed counselors/therapists.
Comprehensive knowledge companion for individuals in addiction recovery, whether in residential treatment or commuting from home for outpatient programs.
Use for:
NOT for:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CRISIS NUMBERS - SAVE THESE │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 911 - Medical emergency/overdose │
│ 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline │
│ 1-800-662-4357 - SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7) │
│ 1-800-662-HELP - Treatment referral │
│ Your sponsor's number - [Add to your phone] │
│ Facility crisis line - [Get from your treatment center] │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
| Modality | What It Is | Best For | Key Skills Learned |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Thought pattern change | Identifying distortions, thought challenging |
| DBT | Dialectical Behavior Therapy | Emotional regulation | Distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness |
| MI | Motivational Interviewing | Building motivation | Resolving ambivalence, finding internal motivation |
| EMDR | Eye Movement Desensitization | Trauma processing | Processing traumatic memories safely |
| MAT | Medication-Assisted Treatment | Opioid/alcohol use | Reducing cravings, preventing withdrawal |
| CM | Contingency Management | Building healthy habits | Positive reinforcement for behaviors |
| MBT | Mentalization-Based Therapy | Relationship issues | Understanding self and others |
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ RECOVERY PROGRAM OPTIONS │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 12-Step (AA/NA/CA) │
│ ├─ Spiritual foundation (Higher Power concept) │
│ ├─ Sponsor relationship │
│ ├─ Steps and traditions framework │
│ └─ Widespread availability, community │
│ │
│ SMART Recovery │
│ ├─ Science-based (CBT/REBT) │
│ ├─ Self-empowerment focus │
│ ├─ 4-Point Program │
│ └─ No spiritual requirement │
│ │
│ Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma │
│ ├─ Buddhist-inspired, mindfulness-based │
│ ├─ Meditation practice │
│ └─ Eightfold Path framework │
│ │
│ LifeRing Secular Recovery │
│ ├─ Secular, self-directed │
│ ├─ "Sober self" concept │
│ └─ Peer support focus │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Note: These can complement each other. Many people use multiple programs.
When craving hits, check HALT:
├── H - Hungry? (eat something nutritious)
├── A - Angry? (process the emotion)
├── L - Lonely? (reach out to someone)
└── T - Tired? (rest if possible)
Then STOP:
├── S - Stop what you're doing
├── T - Take a breath
├── O - Observe what you're feeling
└── P - Proceed mindfully
For anxiety, dissociation, or overwhelming cravings:
5 things you can SEE
├── Look around, name them out loud
4 things you can TOUCH
├── Feel textures, temperatures
3 things you can HEAR
├── Ambient sounds, near and far
2 things you can SMELL
├── Notice scents in your environment
1 thing you can TASTE
├── Focus on current taste in your mouth
For high-intensity emotional moments:
T - Temperature
├── Hold ice cubes, cold water on face
├── Activates dive reflex, calms nervous system
I - Intense Exercise
├── Run in place, jumping jacks, stairs
├── Burns off stress hormones
P - Paced Breathing
├── Breathe out longer than in (4-7-8 pattern)
├── Activates parasympathetic system
P - Progressive Muscle Relaxation
├── Tense and release muscle groups
├── Releases physical tension
Instead of fighting the craving, ride it like a wave:
1. Notice the urge (don't judge it)
2. Rate its intensity (1-10)
3. Observe where you feel it in your body
4. Breathe into that area
5. Watch the intensity rise...
6. ...peak...
7. ...and fall (cravings typically last 15-30 minutes)
8. Rate the intensity again
Key insight: Cravings are temporary. You don't have to act on them.
| Medication | Used For | How It Works | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) | Opioid use | Partial agonist, blocks cravings | Must be in withdrawal to start |
| Sublocade | Opioid use | Monthly injection of buprenorphine | Steady levels, no daily dosing |
| Methadone | Opioid use | Full agonist, daily dosing | Clinic visits required |
| Vivitrol | Opioid/alcohol | Blocks receptors, monthly injection | Must be opioid-free 7-14 days |
| Naltrexone (oral) | Opioid/alcohol | Blocks receptors, daily pill | Reduces "high" from use |
| Antabuse | Alcohol | Creates nausea if drinking | Deterrent effect |
| Campral | Alcohol | Balances brain chemistry | Reduces cravings |
MYTH: "MAT is just trading one drug for another"
FACT: MAT is evidence-based medicine that normalizes brain function,
reduces cravings, and saves lives. It's no different than using
insulin for diabetes.
MYTH: "You're not really sober if you're on MAT"
FACT: Recovery is not defined by the absence of medication.
Stability, function, and quality of life are what matter.
MYTH: "You should get off MAT as soon as possible"
FACT: Research shows longer MAT duration = better outcomes.
The decision to taper should be made with your doctor when stable.
Making the Most of Residential:
├── Engage fully in programming
├── Build relationships with peers and staff
├── Follow the structure (it's there for a reason)
├── Be honest in groups and with your counselor
├── Use free time productively
├── Start planning for aftercare early
└── Practice skills in a safe environment
Commuting to Treatment Challenges:
├── Returning home to triggers daily
├── Managing home responsibilities + treatment
├── Partners/family who don't understand
├── Work/childcare conflicts
├── Isolation between sessions
└── Access to substances
Strategies:
├── Secure your home environment (remove substances)
├── Communicate with family about boundaries
├── Build structure into non-treatment hours
├── Attend extra meetings on non-treatment days
├── Keep your counselor informed of home challenges
├── Have phone numbers ready for crisis moments
└── Consider sober living if home isn't safe
What families need to understand:
├── Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing
├── Recovery is a process, not an event
├── Their role: support, not control
├── Boundaries are healthy for everyone
├── Al-Anon/Nar-Anon exists for them too
What you can communicate:
├── "I'm in treatment and taking this seriously"
├── "This is what I need from you right now: [specific request]"
├── "I understand I've hurt you. I'm working on making amends"
├── "Recovery is my responsibility. I need your support, not your management"
├── "Let's work on this together with a family counselor"
Why couples therapy matters:
├── Addiction affects the whole relationship
├── Communication patterns need rebuilding
├── Trust takes time and structured work
├── Both partners have healing to do
├── Codependency patterns need addressing
When to start:
├── Usually after initial stabilization (30-90 days)
├── When both partners are willing
├── With a therapist who understands addiction
├── As complement to individual work, not replacement
Morning Routine:
├── Gratitude list (3 things)
├── Meditation/prayer (5-15 min)
├── Healthy breakfast
├── Review daily intentions
└── Morning meeting (if helpful)
Throughout Day:
├── Regular check-ins with self
├── Meals at consistent times
├── Movement/exercise
├── Connection with recovery support
└── Practice skills from treatment
Evening Routine:
├── Review the day (what went well?)
├── 10th step inventory (if in 12-step)
├── Prepare for tomorrow
├── Wind-down activities (no screens)
└── Consistent bedtime
Nutrition in Recovery:
├── Regular meals stabilize blood sugar and mood
├── Protein helps rebuild neurotransmitters
├── Reduce sugar/caffeine (can trigger cravings)
├── Stay hydrated
└── Consider consulting nutritionist
Sleep Hygiene:
├── Consistent sleep/wake times
├── No screens 1 hour before bed
├── Cool, dark room
├── Limit caffeine after noon
├── Address sleep issues with your doctor
└── Many in recovery have disrupted sleep initially - it improves
Options:
├── Try different meetings (they vary widely)
├── Try different programs (SMART, Refuge, LifeRing)
├── Look for specialized meetings (LGBTQ+, young people, professionals)
├── Online meetings offer more variety
├── Focus on similarities, not differences
└── Give it time - connection builds gradually
Understanding:
├── Trust is rebuilt through consistent action over time
├── It's not about proving yourself - it's about being yourself
├── Their caution is protective, not punishing
├── Focus on what you CAN control (your behavior)
Actions:
├── Be where you say you'll be
├── Follow through on commitments
├── Accept accountability without defensiveness
├── Let time and consistency work
└── Consider family therapy when appropriate
The Science:
├── Dopamine system is recalibrating
├── Things will feel less pleasurable for a while
├── This is temporary (neuroplasticity!)
Solutions:
├── Exercise (natural dopamine boost)
├── New hobbies (guitar, art, gaming, sports)
├── Service work (helping others)
├── Social connection (even when you don't feel like it)
├── Accept boredom as part of healing
└── Structure your time intentionally
Core Philosophy: Recovery is possible. You are more than your addiction. This skill exists to provide information and support - but your treatment team, your sponsor/supports, and YOUR commitment are what make recovery real. Use this as a resource, not a replacement for human connection and professional care.