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Suggestions For Relapse Prevention
DEFINITION re-lapse (verb)
To fall back into a previous condition, especially after a partial
recovery from illness.
We believe
that our addiction is a disease; a disease from which we can recover
one day at a time. As with any other disease, the potential for
relapse is very real and deadly. The greatest difference between
our disease and say, that of cancer, is we have a choice. It's with
this fact in mind that we of Cocaine Anonymous wish to offer our
experience as it relates to relapse - both prevention and recovery.
PREVENTION
The following suggestions have been invaluable to the prevention of
relapse by those of us in recovery in Cocaine Anonymous.
1)
ABSTINENCE - We suggest that any person desiring recovery
abstain from the use of any mind-altering substances. We have found
that as addicts, we possess an uncanny ability to switch drugs.
Again, addiction is not the drug, it is the disease.
2)
TRIGGERS - Many of us weren't aware of those things that
prompted our use. We view these as triggers, some of which are as
follows:
PLACES
- In recovery, we found it wise to be aware of our motives for being
in certain places. Most of us found it necessary to stay away from
clubs, parties, rock houses, pool halls and other places where we
used.
PEOPLE
- It's difficult to understand, but necessary to do, and that is to
stay away from our using friends. We had to be mindful that they
too are sick and at no time are we stronger in our recovery than
they are in their disease. They have the power to trigger our
relapse by and through their behavior.
DEALING
- Here, many of us face a dilemma. We were addicted to the money
and the excitement. We dealt for power and for control. Many of us
relapse because we lost sight of our lack of personal power.
3)
MEETINGS - We suggest a meeting a day for newcomers. We also
suggest a meeting whenever you don't feel like you need one. We
have found that WHEN WE DON'T WANT TO GO is WHEN WE DO NEED TO GO.
Again, meetings are where our collective experience, strength and
hope are shared.
4)
KEEPING IN TOUCH - Keeping in touch with a sponsor or friend in
recovery is an ideal way of keeping your focus on recovery.
5) HUNGRY - Don't get too hungry. While Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion
on outside issues, we have found that it's difficult to maintain
emotional balance without the aid of eating regularly throughout the
day.
6) ANGRY
- It is said that this emotion is best left up to those better
equipped to deal with it. As people in recovery, we have found that
lingering anger, whether justified or not, is better left to
others. There is no shorter course to getting loaded than a run
with anger and resentment.
7) LONELY
- It's been our experience that an addict alone by himself is the
worst possible company. Again, we suggest meetings and fellowship.
For those of us who isolated behind closet and bathroom doors or
tin-foiled windows, being around others is at first an unnerving
experience.
After we
tried it, and sincerely gave it some time, we found a new freedom
and friendships that we never dreamed possible.
8) TIRED
- It took some time for many of us to reach regular sleep habits.
While it's not known of people dying of lack of sleep, we do know of
many instances where a tired addict reached for that bump or
jump-start and relapsed.
9)
ACTION/WORK - Again, we say that it's a rare case where someone
actually working the steps has relapsed. We have found that as long
as our focus is on the steps and the action required
to work them, relapse is a remote, rare
thought.
10)
PHRASES - These simple sayings or prayers have helped many of us
through those times:
This
Too Shall Pass
It's difficult to remember, but in daily recovery, whatever the
feeling or problem is, it will pass on.
The
Serenity Prayer
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the
difference."
This prayer is not designed to make a problem disappear. Its
purpose is to bring peace to the user.
First
Things First
You can only do what's in front of you.
One
Day At A Time
Not for the rest of your life. Focus on staying clean and sober
for this day (or hour or minute) only.
Let Go
and Let God
Do the foot work but leave the results up to your Higher Power.
11) SIGNS
OF RELAPSE - The following are some of the signs that have
preceded relapses:
I deny my
fear.
I convince myself that "I'll never drink/use again."
I decide that "not using" is all I need.
I try to force sobriety on others.
I become overconfident about my recovery.
I behave compulsively...
I overwork or under work.
I over talk or withdraw.
I start isolating.
I make unrealistic or haphazard plans.
I live in the "there and then."
I start daydreaming of failure.
I view my problems as unsolvable.
I avoid having fun.
I over-analyze myself.
I become irritated by friends or family.
I am easily angered.
I begin blaming people, places, things and conditions for my
problems.
I begin doubting my disease.
I eat irregularly (over- or under eating, snacking).
I have listless periods.
I sleep irregularly (oversleeping, under sleeping).
I experience periods of deep depression.
I develop an "I don't care" attitude.
I hoard money, sex or power.
I openly reject help.
I rationalize that drinking or using can't make my life worse than
it is now.
I feel sorry for myself.
I have fantasies of social drinking or using.
I begin to lie consciously.
I increase my use of aspirin or other nonprescription medications.
I am overwhelmed with loneliness, frustration, anger and tension.
I begin contacting or visiting my drinking or using "friends" and
places.
I convince myself I'm cured.
I lose control.
I tell myself it's okay to deal.
I can use the money. It will be quick and easy.
What if I do
relapse?
1. Call your
sponsor, hotline or other sober member of Cocaine Anonymous. Stay in
touch.
2. Keep
going to meetings. The only requirement is a desire to stop using.
3. Keep
affirming your desire by getting newcomer chips.
4. Remember,
no matter what... KEEP COMING BACK!
Allow us to
love you until you can love yourself.
It does
work!
Approved Literature Cocaine Anonymous World Services Inc. ©
2000
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