Boredom/Work
List 5 recreational activities
read, writing, kayaking, exercise, friends, movies, tv etc....
What is relapse?
Relapse is going back to substance use and to all the behaviors and patterns that come with it.
Identify 4 things that are helping you stay sober.
4 things
An old friend called, and we decided to get together.
I had friends come for dinner, and they brought me some wine.
I was in a bar, and someone offered me a beer.
are under what justification category?
Someone else's fault.
What are examples of thought-stopping techniques?
Relaxation, Snapping, Visualization
Often people who stop using drugs say life feels boring. Some reasons for this feeling include the following:
A structured, routine life feels different from a lifestyle built around substance use.
Brain chemical changes during recovery can make people feel listless (or bored).
People who use substances often have huge emotional swings (high to low and back to high). Normal emotions can feel flat by comparison.
What often happens in relapse before the substance use?
_____ does not happen without warning, and it does not happen quickly. The gradual movement from abstinence to ______ can be subtle and easily explained away or denied. So a _____ often feels as if it happens suddenly.
relapse x3
My spouse left me. There’s no reason to stay clean.
I just got injured. It’s ruined all of my plans. I might as well use.
I just lost my job. Why not use?
Are what type of justifications?
Friends and associates who use: You want to continue associations with old friends or friends who use. What are new approaches to this problem?
Try to make new friends at 12-Step or mutual-help meetings.
Participate in new activities or hobbies that will increase your chances of meeting abstinent people.
Plan activities with abstinent friends or family members.
What are ways to reduce feelings of boredom?
Recognize that a structured, routine life feels different from a lifestyle built around substance use.
Make sure you are scheduling activities. Forcing yourself to write down daily activities helps you fit in more interesting experiences.
Try not to become complacent in recovery. Do something that will further your growth. Sometimes boredom results from not challenging yourself enough in your daily living.
What are addictive behaviors?
The things people do as part of abusing drugs or alcohol are called addictive behaviors.
Healthy eating, fun activities, rest and exercise, meetings, and therapy are all examples of?
Mooring Lines
1/2 points: things that keep you sober
What is relapse justification?
Relapse justification is a process that happens in people’s minds. A person may have decided to stop using, but the person’s brain is still healing and still feels the need for the substances. The addicted brain invents excuses that allow the person in recovery to edge close enough to relapse situations that accidents can happen.
HALT stands for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
When people are out of work, treatment becomes more difficult for the following reasons. What are 2 of 3.
Looking for work is often the first priority.
Abundant free time is difficult to fill, and the structure that makes outpatient treatment effective is lacking.
Resources often are more limited, making transportation and child care more of a problem
What is addictive thinking?
Addictive thinking means having thoughts that make substance use seem OK. (In 12-Step programs this is known as “stinking thinking.”) Some examples follow:
I can handle just one drink. l If they think I’m using, I might as well.
I have worked hard. I need a break.
What are mooring lines and how are they a metaphor for recovery?
During recovery people do specific things that keep them abstinent. These activities can be called “mooring lines.”
These activities are the “ropes” that hold recovery in place and prevent relapse drift from happening without being noticed
I’m gaining weight and need stimulants to control my weight.
I’m out of energy. I’ll function better if I use.
I need drugs to meet people more easily.
Are what type of justifications?
For a specific purpose?
One day at a time, turn it over, keep it simple, and bring your body the mind will follow
Are all examples of?
If you are out of _____ and in treatment, remember that recovery still needs to be your ____ _______. Make sure the counselor knows your situation, and strive to balance job-seeking activities and treatment.
If you are out of work and in treatment, remember that recovery still needs to be your first priority. Make sure the counselor knows your situation, and strive to balance job-seeking activities and treatment.
What is emotional buildup?
Feelings that don’t seem to go away and just keep getting stronger cause emotional buildup
If you create a mooring lines recovery chart, how often should you review your chart?
every week
I’m depressed. What difference does it make whether I use?
When I get mad enough, I can’t control what I do.
I’m scared. I know if I use, the feeling will go away.
If my partner thinks I’ve used, I might as well use.
Are what type of justifications?
Depression, Anger, Loneliness and Fear
Special occasions: Parties, dinners, business meetings, and holidays without substance use can be difficult. What are new approaches to these problems?
Have a plan for answering questions about not using substances.
Start your own abstinent celebrations and traditions.
Have your own transportation to and from events.
Leave if you get uncomfortable or start feeling deprived.