Take positive action after a fall
After / during a relapse we can feel overwhelmed by shame and guilt; this is the usual reaction BUT we don’t need to beat up on ourselves, it is ok. Through self care and harm reduction we make our way back to recovery.
These are the actions I recommend and what I would do if I was to relapse, myself:
The first and most important thing to do is to reach out for help. The best people to reach out to are those who will treat us with kindness, compassion and understanding. They can support us in getting back to a meeting and a treatment facility, if necessary. Generally, our sponsor or other members in the fellowship who have strong recovery will be available to you.
Get back into a routine. Starting a 90 / 90 (90 meetings in 90 days) would not be such a bad idea ;). Set up weekly meetings with your sponsor and create a daily schedule for yourself. Continue with a daily step work session. Even 10 to 20 minutes every morning will help get you back into things.
Taking these actions will immediately reduce the guilt and shame you feel and feeling more positive about yourself will have a positive impact on your recovery.
Keep it simple, taking one day at a time. Hang around with people who are strong in their recovery, keeping away from dangerous people, places and things.
Be kind to yourself! It’s ok to make mistakes, as long as we keep moving forward.
Relapse prevention
It is important to realise that, as addicts, relapse prevention has nothing to do with our “willpower” in the moment that we face a temptation; What carries us through is the work we did the day, week, month before as the strength in our recovery. Just keep doing the next right thing and maintain a connection with your higher power – to the best of your ability.
- Meetings
- Sponsor
- Step work
- Service