Nobody ever said that recovery was an easy process. Though the notion of “not doing” something appears a simple goal, the reality behind drug and alcohol abstinence is unfortunately far more complex. If you’ve hit a bump in your recovery road, you may be wondering where your options lie, and where to turn. In this entry we will provide you with some basic instructions to help get you pointed back in the right direction.
Know that bouncing back from a relapse is no walk in the park. You’ll need to look at what triggered the relapse to occur in order to help you back onto your recovery plan ASAP. Play little mind to the shame, negativity, guilt and fear, and recommit yourself to a brighter tomorrow.
Instructions
1 – Take a long hard look at your recent relapse, taking in what lessons you can. Place a focus on what you could have done differently without beating yourself up – mistakes happen to everyone! Make a commitment to maintain sobriety for a 24-hour period, even if it means taking things by the hour.
2 – Grab a notebook and take an indicator inventory of items that may signal a potential relapse. These types of items can include anything from stress and irrational thoughts to particular behaviors or feelings. Think back to how you felt when your relapse occurred and dissect the emotions for future reference
3 – Next to each item in your indicator inventory, write out a positive coping skill to combat it. For example, if you’ve often felt the need to use following a hectic work week, make a commitment to take a jog or swim rather than succumbing to negative emotions and behaviors. By having a plan in place, you will be better equipped to deal with your emotions in a positive fashion.
4 – Recommit yourself to 12-step meetings on a daily basis to help strengthen your recovery.
5 – Obtain a list of contacts from people who are supportive of your recovery. These can be relatives, close friends, AA members, or even our Above It All addiction counselors. Make a point to call people from this list when you’re feeling the temptation to use again.
6 –Break out the notebook again and jot down a healthy list of emotional triggers. This list should be comprised of places, situations, things, and people that you associate with your addiction. As with your indicator inventory, this list will serve in helping you recognize and address trouble situations before they becomes an issue.
7 – Surround yourself with positive people who enjoy you for you! Addiction often stems from a desire to mask the person inside. Keeping the company of people who appreciate the real you will keep you empowered, confident, and on-the-ball.
Need To Talk?
If you are struggling with a recent relapse, our Above It All addiction specialists are on-hand to address your concerns. Give our LA drug rehab center a call today, and get back on track towards a fruitful, happy, and positive recovery.