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.
What do relapse warning signs represent?
Relapse warning signs represent a serious problem.
True or False: Sometimes other people see those warning signs better than the relapsing person does.
True
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.
What is "I don't care" syndrome?
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.
Emotions and feelings.
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.
How does recovery become stronger?
When there is open and honest communication.
Which part of the brain is the center for triggers?
The lower emotional part of the brain.
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.
Recovery is a _________ that develops over time.
process
Name 3 examples of triggers
Old friends
Places someone used to use
Rituals
Items (foil, powdered sugar, etc.)
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.
Name 3 components of a full program of recovery.
All mood altering substances
AA, CA, NA 3x a week
Make friends with people who have been sober more than 2 years.
etc.
What does the higher part of the brain control?
Thinking, evaluating, and planning.