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    Addiction Recovery Glossary

    Simple explanations of common addiction and recovery terms to help seniors and families better understand recovery support.

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    Understanding addiction recovery can involve learning new terminology related to treatment, relapse prevention, and long-term sobriety. This glossary explains commonly used recovery terms in clear and accessible language.

    A

    Accountability
    Accountability in recovery refers to systems or relationships that help a person remain committed to sobriety. This may include recovery coaches, family involvement, monitoring tools, or structured recovery programs.
    Addiction
    Addiction is a condition in which a person continues using alcohol or drugs despite harmful consequences. It often involves difficulty controlling substance use and can affect physical health, relationships, and daily functioning.
    Alcohol Use Disorder
    Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences.

    C

    Continuing Care
    Continuing care refers to recovery support that occurs after a person completes formal treatment such as inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs.
    Craving
    A craving is a strong urge or desire to use alcohol or drugs. Cravings are common during recovery and can occur in response to stress, emotions, or environmental triggers.

    D

    Detox
    Detoxification, often called detox, is the process of clearing alcohol or drugs from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.

    P

    Peer Recovery Coach
    A peer recovery coach is a trained individual with personal experience in addiction recovery who supports others on their recovery journey through encouragement, accountability, and guidance.

    R

    Recovery
    Recovery refers to the process of improving health and wellness while working toward a life free from problematic substance use.
    Relapse
    Relapse occurs when a person returns to alcohol or drug use after a period of sobriety.
    Relapse Prevention
    Relapse prevention involves strategies and support systems designed to help individuals maintain sobriety and reduce the likelihood of returning to substance use.

    S

    Sobriety
    Sobriety generally refers to a state of living without the use of alcohol or drugs.
    Substance Use Disorder
    Substance use disorder is a condition in which the use of alcohol or drugs leads to significant impairment or distress.
    Support Network
    A support network includes family members, friends, recovery coaches, and other individuals who help someone maintain sobriety.

    T

    Trigger
    A trigger is a situation, emotion, or environment that increases the urge to use alcohol or drugs.

    V

    Virtual Recovery Support
    Virtual recovery support refers to recovery services provided remotely through video sessions, online tools, or digital communication.

    Recovery Tools

    Accountability & Recovery Tools

    You Are Accountable provides recovery support designed to help individuals stay connected to sobriety through structured accountability and ongoing encouragement.

    Daily Breathalyzer Accountability

    Daily breathalyzer testing helps individuals maintain accountability in sobriety while reinforcing recovery commitments.

    Consistent monitoring can provide structure that supports recovery progress and helps rebuild trust with family members.

    Remote Drug and Alcohol Testing

    Remote testing tools provide an additional layer of accountability for individuals working to maintain sobriety.

    These tools help reinforce recovery goals while allowing individuals to remain engaged in daily life.

    Peer Recovery Coaching

    Members connect with trained peer recovery coaches who provide encouragement and guidance based on lived recovery experience.

    Peer coaching helps individuals remain connected to recovery goals and maintain accountability over time.

    Peer Recovery Support

    Peer support connects individuals with others who understand the challenges of recovery and can provide encouragement and perspective.

    This connection can reinforce recovery routines and reduce feelings of isolation.

    Risk Reduction

    Recovery support can help reduce risks associated with alcohol or substance use while encouraging healthier decisions and accountability.

    Recovery journeys are different for every individual.

    Support Across Stages of Change

    People approach recovery in different ways. Recovery support can help individuals who are:

    Considering change
    Working toward sobriety
    Maintaining long-term recovery

    The Journey

    Where Recovery Support Fits in the Recovery Journey

    Detox

    Medical stabilization

    Treatment

    Clinical care and therapy

    Outpatient Care

    Ongoing clinical support

    Recovery Support

    You Are Accountable

    Treatment helps individuals stabilize and begin recovery.

    Recovery support helps individuals maintain accountability and connection to sobriety after treatment or during long-term recovery.

    Recovery support complements clinical care but does not replace medical or psychiatric treatment.

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    Whitney Horst

    Recovery Specialist · LAC

    "I spent a decade in addiction, losing myself piece by piece, until a moment of clarity in jail helped me remember I was worth more than the life I was living."

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