Question
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,637
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
I would advise them in a couple ways. I stopped and started drinking many times too - although I don't feel it's appropriate to call it "chronically relapsing", rather I just wasn't drinking as MUCH during those times.
The first thing I needed to do was to accept my addiction. I had to unquestionably and wholly accept that I am an addict. And that the only solution to the problem was complete and total abstinence - forever. I also had to accept that there was no explainable reason "why" i am and addict - I just AM an addict. Finally, I had to accept that i can never "fix" my additction itself - I will always be an addict. I can stop drinking and learn to live a sober, healthy, happy life...but the addiction will always be part of the fabric of me...so I will never be able to return to drinking even decades from now.
Once you've done that, I'd recommend choosing a sobriety plan and dedicating time every single day to it. What plan you choose is really up to you, but be aware that ALL of them will require you to do things you don't want to do. All of them will directly give back however much you put in. For example, If you decided to try AA but only went to meeetings ( and didn't get a sponsor and/or work the steps ), you probably won't gain much from the program.
The first thing I needed to do was to accept my addiction. I had to unquestionably and wholly accept that I am an addict. And that the only solution to the problem was complete and total abstinence - forever. I also had to accept that there was no explainable reason "why" i am and addict - I just AM an addict. Finally, I had to accept that i can never "fix" my additction itself - I will always be an addict. I can stop drinking and learn to live a sober, healthy, happy life...but the addiction will always be part of the fabric of me...so I will never be able to return to drinking even decades from now.
Once you've done that, I'd recommend choosing a sobriety plan and dedicating time every single day to it. What plan you choose is really up to you, but be aware that ALL of them will require you to do things you don't want to do. All of them will directly give back however much you put in. For example, If you decided to try AA but only went to meeetings ( and didn't get a sponsor and/or work the steps ), you probably won't gain much from the program.
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: US East Coast
Posts: 14,286
IMHO, we need to step up our game if we chronically relapse. I did the following:
1. SR - read and posted in my class thread, Under 1 year thread and now Over 1 year and 24-hour threads - each and every day
2. Went to see my pdoc and spelled out the unvarnished truth about my alcohol use
3. Went to an IOP (intensive outpatient program) my pdoc recommended - lasted 3 months
4. Went to AA meetings several times a week as required by IOP, and then continued after IOP was over.
5. When I had a very brief 1 drink slip after 8 months, went immediately to my pdoc who then temporarily added meds
6. I avoided people, places and things that could lead to temptation
7. I made staying sober Job #1 for over a year
I still limit my exposure to potential drinking situations, see my pdoc every three months and post on SR. I have changed my lifestyle and my thinking. I am 71 years old and have no interest in wasting any more of my life as a drunk.
I am immeasurably happier and wouldn't change my new sober life for anything!
1. SR - read and posted in my class thread, Under 1 year thread and now Over 1 year and 24-hour threads - each and every day
2. Went to see my pdoc and spelled out the unvarnished truth about my alcohol use
3. Went to an IOP (intensive outpatient program) my pdoc recommended - lasted 3 months
4. Went to AA meetings several times a week as required by IOP, and then continued after IOP was over.
5. When I had a very brief 1 drink slip after 8 months, went immediately to my pdoc who then temporarily added meds
6. I avoided people, places and things that could lead to temptation
7. I made staying sober Job #1 for over a year
I still limit my exposure to potential drinking situations, see my pdoc every three months and post on SR. I have changed my lifestyle and my thinking. I am 71 years old and have no interest in wasting any more of my life as a drunk.
I am immeasurably happier and wouldn't change my new sober life for anything!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,850
Originally Posted by FreeOwl 
Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
As long as you use your current living situation as a justification to drink, you will struggle to remain sober. In other words, if your sobriety is contingent on external conditions correcting themselves (the hoarder in your life), you are at risk to relapse.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 15,237
I had to learn that there will never be
enough alcohol in this world to satisfy
my cravings for it. One glass, one sip,
just isn't gonna do it for me.
Knowledge of addiction , what it is, how
it affects you, your body, mind and soul,
others around you is pretty powerful.
Learn a program of recovery that you
can incorporate in all areas of your life.
Admit you have an addiction. Accept
that you have an addiction. Addiction
affects more folks than you can imagine,
so we are not unique in this sickness,
illness, disease.
There is a treatable program of recovery
suited for you to learn to begin building a
strong, solid recovery foundation to live
your life upon for years to come.
Many folks that have found success in
their own recovery didn't just sit on their
butts and miraculously got sober or clean.
We did the footwork. We learned. We listened.
We absorbed and finally we applied all that has
been taught to us each and everyday we remain
sober then turned around an passed on our own
ESH - experiences, strengths and hopes of what
our lives were and are like before, during and after
our drinking or using careers to others that are still
suffering or struggling with their own addiction.
In doing so, we can enjoy many gifts offered
to us in recovery remaining, humble and grateful
for them.
enough alcohol in this world to satisfy
my cravings for it. One glass, one sip,
just isn't gonna do it for me.
Knowledge of addiction , what it is, how
it affects you, your body, mind and soul,
others around you is pretty powerful.
Learn a program of recovery that you
can incorporate in all areas of your life.
Admit you have an addiction. Accept
that you have an addiction. Addiction
affects more folks than you can imagine,
so we are not unique in this sickness,
illness, disease.
There is a treatable program of recovery
suited for you to learn to begin building a
strong, solid recovery foundation to live
your life upon for years to come.
Many folks that have found success in
their own recovery didn't just sit on their
butts and miraculously got sober or clean.
We did the footwork. We learned. We listened.
We absorbed and finally we applied all that has
been taught to us each and everyday we remain
sober then turned around an passed on our own
ESH - experiences, strengths and hopes of what
our lives were and are like before, during and after
our drinking or using careers to others that are still
suffering or struggling with their own addiction.
In doing so, we can enjoy many gifts offered
to us in recovery remaining, humble and grateful
for them.
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