This blog post is the fourth in our four-part series focused on defining some of the jargon you may encounter as you seek out treatment for a substance use disorder and your recovery journey gets underway.
We encourage you to read previous entries in which we define:
- “Dry drunk” and “high-functioning alcoholic”
- “Rock bottom” and “pink cloud syndrome”
- “Urge surfing” and “substitute addiction”
In this final entry in the series, we will look at the idea of “harm reduction” and at a few terms related to recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.
What is ‘Harm Reduction’?
The idea behind “harm reduction” programs and policies is a noble one. Given the challenges faced by people who have developed a substance use disorder, it makes a fair amount of sense to try to develop approaches to reducing the harm caused to individuals and society by drug and alcohol use. You are probably familiar with a number of harm-reduction strategies.
- Designated driver programs that offer free non-alcoholic drinks to the person who will make sure their friends get home safely after consuming alcohol
- Programs that offer free rides via a ride service to those who have been drinking
- “No questions asked” policies when responding to overdoses
- Exchange programs providing clean needles to intravenous drug users
- Maintenance strategies built around the use of methadone
- Safe drug consumption and injection sites
Some of these strategies—like designated driver programs—have gained a lot of traction in society; others—like safe drug consumption and injection sites—are quite controversial. Still and all, it is not entirely clear that these sorts of strategies are effective ways to limit the behaviors that lead to the various ongoing negative consequences associated with substance use.
For example, in a paper titled “The Effectiveness of Designated Driver Programs” that appeared in Journal of the Australasian College of Road Safety, researchers suggested that designated driving programs are not necessarily as effective as we might think:
The available evidence suggests that while designated driver campaigns can successfully increase the awareness and use of designated drivers, it is less clear whether these programs lead to a reduction in drunk driving and/or alcohol related crashes.
We are not, of course, arguing that it is a bad thing to try to reduce harms related to drug or alcohol use. We are suggesting, however, that those programs are no substitute for reclaiming and maintaining sobriety over time. When you hear someone suggest that a harm-reduction program will keep the negative consequences of a substance use disorder at bay, remember that getting and staying sober is a better outcome than any harm-reduction program can provide.
What are the ‘12 Steps,’ ‘Sponsors,’ and ‘The Big Book’?
When you complete treatment for a substance use disorder, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to become a regular attendee of recovery program meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous may be the two most popular programs, but they are far from the only options.
Each program, including AA and NA, has its own unique jargon, and it can be helpful to spend time on the websites of programs (like, say, SMART Recovery) you are considering to suss out what various ideas and strategies are on offer.
Some common terms in AA include the “12 Steps,” “sponsors,” and “The Big Book.” When you first encounter these ideas, you may well have no sense of what they might mean, so here is a quick primer:
- The 12 Steps: AA’s 12 Steps are a combination of statements and strategies for maintaining sobriety. Some people may be surprised to discover how many times “God” is mentioned in the steps. Others might be surprised to learn that the steps include a directive to try to make amends to everyone who has been harmed by your drug or alcohol use. Other programs offer their own sets of principles and strategies. Here, for example, is SMART Recovery’s “change plan.”
- Sponsor: In AA and NA, a sponsor is someone who has been in recovery for a significant period of time who agrees to provide encouragement and support to you as your recovery journey starts to unfold. This is the person you might call when the cravings come calling, for example. Regular meetings with your sponsor can provide encouragement and motivation to keep going. A “recovery mentor” provides similar support to a person who is working to maintain their sobriety.
- The Big Book: Alcoholics Anonymous’ “Big Book” was first published in 1939, and it remains the foundational text of the organization. When you first hear the term, you might think it refers to the Bible or another spiritual text. Instead, it recounts the experiences of the first 100 people who used the AA system to get and stay sober.
Again, different programs have different terms and ideas to understand. A little research and a little patience will help you navigate these important programs as your recovery journey gets underway.
The Most Important Term of All? Sobriety.
At Wooded Glen Recovery Center, located in Henryville, Indiana, we’re committed to helping you reclaim and maintain your sobriety. You can count on receiving personalized care grounded in evidence, expertise, experience, and empathy. We’re ready to help you make a change.