Planning for Your Sobriety
Why is addiction considered a process?
It is not an event at a single point in time.
For some people, it is a slow process.
For others, it is quick.
Either way, it is a process made up of many small steps and decisions.
Why should you be familiar with relapse warning signs?
Relapse warning signs represent a serious problem.
It is important to identify example of relapse warning signs and do something about them.
Why is irregular attendance at treatment or self-help meetings considered a warning sign?
Some people make excuses for missing treatment or self-help meetings.
Some people trash the treatment program and the necessity and value of the Twelve Step programs.
Why are unreasonable resentments considered a relapse warning sign?
What are triggers?
Triggers are people, places, situations, and feelings that have become associated with alcohol and other drug use.
They make a person think about drinking alcohol and using other drugs, and they can cause cravings.
The more severe the addiction, the more numerous the triggers, and the stronger the triggers become.
What is sobriety?
Sobriety is learning to make many small decisions that lead away from alcohol and other drug use.
Why is fear of failure a relapse warning sign?
Some people have a fear and uncertainty about their ability to stay clean.
Some people lack confidence in their ability to stay sober.
Why is "I don't care" syndrome considered a relapse warning sign?
On the outside, some people might say, "I don't care" and "I don't need or want your help."
On the inside, however, they feel scared, abandoned, and helpless; they have a very poor self-image; and they want someone to care about them.
Why is lack of planning considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people start but do not finish projects.
Some people feel that they certain unrealistic goals and big ideas, but they lack follow-through.
What is an example of a relapse decision?
"I am back in control now. I'll be able to stop drinking or drugging when I want to."
"My alcohol or use of other drugs just got out of control. I will do it right this time."
"Things are different now. I will only use at parties."
What is relapse?
Relapse is a process.
It is a series of decisions in the direction of alcohol and other drug use.
Why are compulsive attempts to impose sobriety on others considered relapse warning signs?
Some people have very strong, negative opinions about other people who drink alcohol or use other drugs (whether or not they are addicted).
Some people comment on the quality of the recovery of other recovering addicts.
Some people focus more on others than themselves.
Why is self-pity considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people become obsessed with self-pity, constantly talking about how bad the system is, claiming they are being mistreated, and even hiding behind conspiracy theories.
Why is wishful thinking considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people feels that fantasy replaces reality.
Instead of planning and working for a goal, some people have fantasies of being rescued or of escaping and starting over.
Why might depression lead to a relapse decision?
Some people have episodes in which they become depressed, sad, or unhappy.
Some people oversleep and become late for appointments, work, and treatment sessions.
When does relapse usually occur?
The decision to relapse is usually made long before somebody has a drink or uses a drug.
Why is a tendency toward isolation considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people become isolated and avoid other people.
Some people have "good" excuses to avoid dealing with other people.
Why are thoughts of using considered relapse warning signs?
After experiencing both positive and negative feelings for the first time in years, some people remember that drugs helped medicate the negative feelings.
Why is nothing-will-help syndrome considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people feel helpless, hopeless, and unwilling to try to solve a problem.
Why might poor eating habits lead to a relapse decision?
Some people deal with stress by overeating or undereating.
Some people eat junk foods when they are under a lot of stress.
Give three reasons to work on your sobriety and avoid relapse.
Anything goes...
Why is tunnel vision considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people view their lives in isolated pieces rather than as a whole.
Some people tend to focus on one problem area and ruminate about how bad it is.
Some people focus on a negative area to the point that they feel helpless or feel as though they are being treated unfairly.
Why is conscious lying considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people lie about the details of their recovery, treatment, or alcohol and other drug use.
Why is irritation with friends considered a relapse warning sign?
Some people find that their relationships with Twelve Step friends, treatment program friends, and counselors become strained and problematic.
Some people find that they create conflicts within their support system, which in turn makes them feel justified to avoid these important people.
Why might the inability to sleep lead to a relapse decision?
Some people have major periods of insomnia or restlessness at night.