Addiction Recovery Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on addiction and recovery vocabulary: relapse, sobriety, withdrawal, detox, triggers, abstinence and rehabilitation. B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Addiction Recovery is actually used in context at B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as sobriety, relapse, detox, withdrawal symptoms and trigger, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your addiction recovery vocabulary.
Addiction Recovery Vocabulary — FAQ
What does 'sobriety' mean?
Sobriety refers to the state of not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In recovery, sobriety usually means abstaining completely from a substance over a sustained period. People often track their 'sobriety date' as a marker of progress, and many support groups celebrate sobriety milestones as significant achievements.
What is a 'relapse'?
A relapse is when a person in recovery from addiction returns to using the substance they had stopped. It is considered a common part of the recovery process rather than a sign of failure. Recovery professionals focus on identifying triggers and building coping strategies to strengthen long-term sobriety after a relapse.
What is the difference between 'detox' and 'rehabilitation'?
Detox is the first stage of recovery, during which the body clears itself of a substance — often medically supervised because withdrawal can be dangerous. Rehabilitation is the longer-term process of addressing the psychological and social aspects of addiction through therapy and counselling, usually following detox.
What does 'withdrawal' mean?
Withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person dependent on a substance suddenly stops using it. Symptoms vary by substance and can include sweating, shaking, nausea and anxiety. Medical supervision is important because some substances, such as alcohol, can cause dangerous withdrawal.
What is a 'trigger' in addiction recovery?
A trigger is a stimulus — a person, place, emotion or situation — that evokes cravings and may lead someone in recovery to want to use a substance again. Identifying and managing triggers is a central part of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in addiction treatment.
What does 'abstinence' mean?
Abstinence means voluntarily refraining from alcohol or drugs. Abstinence-based recovery means choosing not to use the substance at all, as opposed to a harm-reduction approach that aims to reduce harmful use. Some programmes, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are based on a commitment to lifelong abstinence.
What is a 'sponsor' in 12-step programmes?
In 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a sponsor is an experienced member in long-term recovery who guides a newer member through the steps of the programme. A sponsor offers support, accountability and regular contact, and is considered a key element of the 12-step model.
What does 'enabling' mean in addiction?
Enabling describes behaviour by a friend or family member that inadvertently supports or allows someone's addiction to continue, such as covering up for the person or providing money that funds substance use. While often well-intentioned, enabling prevents the person from experiencing the consequences of their addiction.
What is 'co-dependency'?
Co-dependency is a pattern in which a person's emotional well-being becomes excessively dependent on another person, often someone with an addiction. Co-dependent partners may enable the addicted person and feel responsible for their recovery. Addressing co-dependency is an important part of family therapy in addiction treatment.
What does 'harm reduction' mean?
Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to reduce the negative consequences of drug or alcohol use without requiring full abstinence. Examples include needle exchange programmes and prescribing substitute medications such as methadone. Harm reduction prioritises keeping people safe even if they are not yet ready to stop using substances.