Begins with A,B, or C
"(Blank)" the event with before-and-after telephone calls to someone in recovery.
Bookend
It seems everywhere you turn from work parties to a small family gathering or a holiday reunion with old friends, and alcohol is flowing.
Chemically Induced Holiday Cheer
your aren’t thinking about using, but your behaviors are setting yourself up for a relapse later on.
Emotional Relapse
You can do this before or after the event as a sober strategy.
Go to a Twelve Step Meeting
Risk of relapse is high during times of increased (Blank)
Stress
It is unrealistic in all of these scenarios to say, "I can soldier through."
Avoid Know Risks
The holidays may bring up cherished memories of people that we have loved and lost.
Ghosts of Holidays Past
Is where you seek out drugs or alcohol and use again.
Physical Relapse
A secret weapon to help keep you sober during the holidays.
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Two holiday risks for those who are single.
Loneliness and Isolation
Talk with your sponsor, a friend who understands addiction recovery, or a professional counselor about the emotions and expectations you have wrapped up in the holidays—especially if you find yourself replaying childhood experiences or memories during this time of year. This is called "Blank."
Calculating Reality
During these holiday events, we are exposed to the most meaningful relationships but, at times, interactions with these individuals are equally painful.
Old Places and Faces
Which is not a sign of Mental Relapse:
•Thinking about or talking about how you won't relapse.
•Glamorizing past use, or minimizing its consequences.
•Looking for excuses or opportunities to use again.
•Planning a relapse around others’ schedules.
Thinking about or talking about how you won't relapse.
Nourish your spirit through personal reflection and connection with those you love. Find some quiet time each day for relaxation and meditation—if only for a few minutes, no matter how busy you are. Let your spirit be your guide.
Practice Self-care
What way of being of service to others is missing:
•Reach out with hospitality to a newcomer at a meeting.
•Spend time with a neighbor who is confined.
Serve a meal at a homeless shelter.
We can convince ourselves that, considering what we've been through, we are entitled to drink or use. Sometimes, as alcoholics and addicts, we manage things better when we're in the midst of a crisis than afterwards.
Adjust Your Attitude
While you may not have the persons that you want in your life, don’t be so consumed by the past that you miss out on the gratitude for the ones that you have in your life today.
Ghosts of Holidays Past
Neglecting self-care, such as poor eating and sleeping habits.
Emotional Relapse
It is always a good idea to have an (Blank) just in case things get too stressful or triggering. It does not have to be anything elaborate.
Escape Plan
These three things can do wonders for your well-being when practicing self-care.
If you accidentally pick up the wrong drink and swallow some alcohol, this doesn't mean you will automatically relapse. But watch for any rationalizations that could creep in: "Hmm, I guess I can handle alcohol in social situations after all. Perhaps my period of abstinence taught me how to control my drinking."
Be Mindful of Drinking & Thinking
Alcohol is often synonymous with many celebrations this time of year, and this can be triggering and problematic for recovery from drugs or alcohol. It seems everywhere you turn from work parties to a small family gathering or a holiday reunion with old friends, and alcohol is flowing.
Chemically Induced Holiday Cheer
Which Sign of Mental Relapse is missing:
•Thinking about or talking about past use or the people they used with.
•Glamorizing past use, or minimizing its consequences.
•Looking for excuses or opportunities to use again.
•Planning a relapse around others’ schedules.
Cravings
Getting sober does not mean life is instantly perfect. Other people in your life probably have not changed, and many of the conflicts that crop up at family reunions or holidays will crop up again. Accept it, roll with the punches, and rein in the urge to manipulate everything and everyone.
Manage Your Expectations
When experiencing this trigger, we experience “(Blank)” and only remember the “fun times” and totally forget the painful unmanageability that drugs or alcohol have created in our lives.
Sobriety Amnesia