An important word about relapses

written by John carcerano from "A New Journey" recovery from alcohol and drug addiction

Important things to know about slips and relapses

When you relapse it is important to get back in touch with the program and system you had in place when you had quit using. As the mind is going through the transition from addict to non-addict there can be times when a slip may occur. When a slip occurs it is important to call a close friend from recovery whom you know you can trust and talk to them about what has been going on and let them help guide you back to recovery. A slip is not a defeat, it tells you what area of your life you are having most trouble dealing with and is a time for you to strengthen this weakness in your coping.

Recovery is a process where you must completely change your thinking and re-program your thoughts.

Recovery is sort of like brainwashing. Until you are fully brainwashed into your new and better way of thinking you will be susceptible to slips, and slips are what lead you to relapses. You are more vulnerable to relapse when your mind has not fully reached the point of being re-programmed into the new habits and proper coping skills required to stay in recovery. Until you fully cross that line to where you are not mentally vulnerable anymore to triggers and suggestions of old addictive thinking then you will need to take special care as to learn all your triggers and avoid them completely. If and when you do happen to slip, please understand that your mind has gone through a lot of dramatic change already to get through the stages of change and to this point. Don’t turn the slip into a relapse, go to an AA meeting immediately and surround yourself with those who are there to care about you and your recovery. If you want to cry or express yourself then please do so. No one will think you are a sissy. The people in recovery are caring and concerned about you. They want you to come to them whenever your needs are great. Please always read and re-read the “Hope and answers” I have provided for you in the beginning of this book.