3 Warning Signs to Detect a Relapse BEFORE It Happens
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3 Warning Signs to Detect a Relapse BEFORE It Happens
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,912
Thank you, Dee -- this is great and so true. I've experienced all of it, luckily only on the level of thoughts, feelings, and some irrational/impulsive behavior. I strongly believe that observing my mind and behavior and recognizing these kinds of signs and others has probably been the most valuable recovery skill for me, besides using support. Introspection saved me countless times.
Also, sometimes (often?) we are not conscious of these processes and impulses, and this is where external help and feedback can be invaluable... given that we accept it and do not write it off as "unfair" criticism (point 2 in the link). Sometimes it takes a leap of faith and trust to accept that others may see things in our behavior that are not obvious to us, and drop the resistance.
In terms of coping with these challenges, one thing I have found very helpful repeatedly is mixing up my recovery tools and introducing something new or less usual at the times when I feel most vulnerable. I think that we sometimes become a bit immune to methods that we use most routinely, due to conditioning. In those instances, I think being exposed to something less well-known can sometimes remove us from a stalled, negative state.
Another thing that relates to support and it's worked for me wonderfully is to have a select few people whose opinions and suggestions I always value and at least consider seriously, no matter what is the topic. I sometimes am prone to falling into a false state/perception of independence (even in recovery) and it's not always easy to influence me. But having some people who, based on experience and history, have been able to affect me with their observations and suggestions is very useful at the time of challenges. I guess this is the idea of a sponsor, a therapist, or just someone we made friends with in recovery as equals.
Also, sometimes (often?) we are not conscious of these processes and impulses, and this is where external help and feedback can be invaluable... given that we accept it and do not write it off as "unfair" criticism (point 2 in the link). Sometimes it takes a leap of faith and trust to accept that others may see things in our behavior that are not obvious to us, and drop the resistance.
In terms of coping with these challenges, one thing I have found very helpful repeatedly is mixing up my recovery tools and introducing something new or less usual at the times when I feel most vulnerable. I think that we sometimes become a bit immune to methods that we use most routinely, due to conditioning. In those instances, I think being exposed to something less well-known can sometimes remove us from a stalled, negative state.
Another thing that relates to support and it's worked for me wonderfully is to have a select few people whose opinions and suggestions I always value and at least consider seriously, no matter what is the topic. I sometimes am prone to falling into a false state/perception of independence (even in recovery) and it's not always easy to influence me. But having some people who, based on experience and history, have been able to affect me with their observations and suggestions is very useful at the time of challenges. I guess this is the idea of a sponsor, a therapist, or just someone we made friends with in recovery as equals.
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