On Relapse...

[disorderlydamie]

In the few short days I've been on this board, I've noticed a lot of people struggling with relapse or are very new to recovery. I've managed to string a few 24 hours together for a grand total of over 4 months clean, so I can totally relate.

It seems as if a lot of the people who have used (my sponsor tells me that a relapse can only occur after some recovery has taken place, which isnt within the first day, week, or month) are getting a lot of support, which is amazing because that is how we do up in this camp. But to all my clean brothers and sisters where relapse is not a part of their story just for today, I wanted to share my all-time-favorite quote from the Basic Text:

"There may be times when a relapse lays the groundwork for complete freedom. At other times that freedom can only be achieved by a grim and obstinate willfulness to hang on to abstinence come hell or high water until a crisis passes. -pg. 74 from "Recovery and Relapse"

When I'm going through it, this quote runs through my head like a train, reminding me that no matter what, I dont have to use. When I'm walking through a storm, my sponsor says to me "Just hang on, help is on the way."

To all of the recovering addicts out there who are white-knuckling it today, remember to hang on. We're on our way to get you.
I love you all, have a fabulous day.

Stayin grateful,
An addict named Cass

[amymarie]

disorderlydamie,
Thank you so much for that. There are times when one needs to be sent back to the basics and that just did it for me.

I know with fiber in me that I needed my relapse. I needed it to start a clean slate in my recovery. I may not have been using, but I was still living like a junky. I am grateful for all that led up to, and all that followed my relapse, but mostly,I am grateful for the relapse itself!

[REZ]

Thanks for that very important quote. Although relapse can help build a strong foundation for some people, for others it takes them back out of the program forever, and eventually to jails, institutions, or death. I welcome back everyone that relapses and ask them if they have learned anything. But I never encourage people to relapse; relapse are not necessary for recovery.

[Blake]

In my area some people just think that relapsing is okay and part of the program....which is frightening, and incorrect.

It is not okay to relapse, you never know when a relapse will kill you, so it is not okay.

I will welcome anyone back into the program after a relapse, I love any addict trying to stay clean, I just get scared when I see some people come in and go out and come in and go out and come in and go out, it is like russian roulette and it's important that the newcommers know that a relapse is optional. You NEVER HAVE TO relapse if you choose not to.....if you do, please come back as soon as possible, no one deserves to die in active addiction. (not to sound like I am above a relapse or anything, it is allways one away for ANY addict in recovery)

[namommy]

That quote is my favorite line in the Basic Text. Thanks for posting it.

Like Blake's area, there seems to be a revolving door around here. We have alot of 'Recovery Houses' (If that's what they can call themselves) and people are in and out all the time.

Unfortunately, some never make it back. In the past 3 weeks we lost 4 young addicts to this disease. All of them under 24 years old. It's really sad.

Hang onto hope. That is all you have to do. If you stay abstinent, and hang onto hope, then things can and will get better. I know. I've been through alot, and I held onto hope and I've come out the other side that much better for having done so.

Again, thanks for this thread.