Relapse and Coming Back Into the Fellowship - Recovered 512

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I think after a relapse, you have two options.

Do you just give in and sink deeper into the black pit you’ve fallen into? 

Or do you pull yourself up by your belt loops and resolve to right this temporary setback? 

These are the only two choices you have when you take a look at the reality of your situation.

To the outside person, the choice is clear.  Pick yourself up.

For those of us with the addiction, this is a difficult choice, why?

Have you ever relapsed?

What happened?

What was your experience?

Option one, that is sink deeper into the pit and continue drinking, is not the most desirable, although it certainly is the easiest.

What about the easier softer way.  

Why would someone decide to stay out?

What would prevent you from choosing to stay out?

What would make you uncomfortable enough to make the hard decision to get back into recovery?

Option two, on the other hand, is a tough choice to make.

Because you have been in the program before, you know this decision necessitates admitting that you’ve slipped and immediately seeking help to regain your sobriety. It also means you’ve got a great deal of hard work ahead of you.

Talk about your experience with this decision.

Talk about your experience of witnessing this decision made by others.

What hurdles?

Talk about the stigma of being a relapser?

Talk about the paranoia, that is, wondering what others are saying about you.

Talk about false pride, the fact that you now have less sobriety than your friends, your sponsees, etc.

Talk about not wanting to admit that you relapsed.

want to take some calls?

Ruth ARROW BELOW

TONY TOO

If you decide recovery, Where Do You Start?  

What should you do?

For the person coming off a relapse, what do you recommend?

What should be avoided?

Is it helpful to examine the process of your relapse?

Did you call your sponsor?  What was that like?

Should you change sponsors?

What if your sponsor fires you?

Talk about telling friends.

Talk about telling family members.

Talk about tell employers.

What about asking for forgiveness from these people, should you?

What about resisting that thought that I’ve been there, done that and I still relapsed, so why do the step work again?

Cab relapse be a positive thing?  How?  In what way?

The bottom line is that relapse isn’t the end of your recovery journey. It is what you decide to do immediately following relapse and continuing forward in your sobriety that matters. Keep in mind that gaining knowledge, practicing and honing your recovery skills, and surrounding yourself with people who support and encourage your recovery goals is all part of the process. With renewed commitment and dedication to sobriety, you can come back from relapse stronger than ever.

Final Thoughts?