Your biggest tip to recover from relapse?
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SC
Posts: 133
Forgive myself and try to see it as reinforcement proving that I can't drink- a wake up call. Then move forward and try to be positive and think that I have so many opportunies for success. I don't know...that helps me when it has happened...
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canada. About as far south as you can get
Posts: 4,768
Originally Posted by UK7 
After 12 weeks in treatment I messed it up. I am gutted.
If you had relapsed in the past......how did you recover? Thanks.
If you had relapsed in the past......how did you recover? Thanks.
All the best.
Bob R
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 796
There was no recovery from relapse when I was drinking. I just got drunk again. And again and again.
This cycle went on on for twenty years.
It took a spiritual awakening and a strong desire to not drink more than I wanted to drink for me to quit.
Don't beat yourself up over it. I joined here five years ago and I've got almost two years sober, so it can be done. It just took me awhile.
Have you tried AA or another recovery program? It can work wonders.
Best to you on your journey to sobriety.
This cycle went on on for twenty years.
It took a spiritual awakening and a strong desire to not drink more than I wanted to drink for me to quit.
Don't beat yourself up over it. I joined here five years ago and I've got almost two years sober, so it can be done. It just took me awhile.
Have you tried AA or another recovery program? It can work wonders.
Best to you on your journey to sobriety.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 377
Drinking was normal for me and not drinking was uncomfortable and strange. Whenever I drank after deciding to not drink, most of those times I felt relieved and back to normal life.
But normal life included so much drinking trouble that before too long I'd have to stop again for another little while.
It didn't really matter how I felt or what I wanted ultimately. Life and drinking didn't go together, that became clear and I had little choice but to give one up.
But normal life included so much drinking trouble that before too long I'd have to stop again for another little while.
It didn't really matter how I felt or what I wanted ultimately. Life and drinking didn't go together, that became clear and I had little choice but to give one up.
Grateful to be free
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,680
Recognizing that the relapse WAS a relapse as opposed to a failure or sign that you may as well keep drinking is a good start!
So is coming here and asking this question. Your commitment to your recovery is clear, and once you find your way I feel your success is sure.
Asking "why" is good, as opposed to making excuses or justifications. Again, it shows that the mind and spirit are turned towards recovery NOT towards drinking.
Staying in the atmosphere of recovery here at SR was a huge help to me. As was seeking out further resources that addressed my particular triggers, biases, and situations.
My relapses never brought me what I desired. No peace of mind, no escape from my problems, nothing but more disgust and more lousy feelings. So, I moved forward with renewed effort and determination for things that WOULD bring me what I desired.
It was also important for me to look at the reason I had chosen to drink/use again. Why did I make the decision to do so, or NOT make the decision to NOT do so. What was I thinking I would gain? Which feelings and behaviors make me more susceptible. What should I avoid, what should I work on. Was I being honest with myself.
I also have to look at what scares me most in life. Long term goals. I have lived much of my life flying by the seat of my pants, terrified of looking ahead more than a day or two. But I realize I need a better sense of direction, a motivation for staying a course. This continues to be one of my greatest challenges.
The most important thing was to stop, completely again, and address all the above issues sober. And to stay away from booze, drugs and triggers as much as possible until I got my feet under me again.
So is coming here and asking this question. Your commitment to your recovery is clear, and once you find your way I feel your success is sure.
Asking "why" is good, as opposed to making excuses or justifications. Again, it shows that the mind and spirit are turned towards recovery NOT towards drinking.
Staying in the atmosphere of recovery here at SR was a huge help to me. As was seeking out further resources that addressed my particular triggers, biases, and situations.
My relapses never brought me what I desired. No peace of mind, no escape from my problems, nothing but more disgust and more lousy feelings. So, I moved forward with renewed effort and determination for things that WOULD bring me what I desired.
It was also important for me to look at the reason I had chosen to drink/use again. Why did I make the decision to do so, or NOT make the decision to NOT do so. What was I thinking I would gain? Which feelings and behaviors make me more susceptible. What should I avoid, what should I work on. Was I being honest with myself.
I also have to look at what scares me most in life. Long term goals. I have lived much of my life flying by the seat of my pants, terrified of looking ahead more than a day or two. But I realize I need a better sense of direction, a motivation for staying a course. This continues to be one of my greatest challenges.
The most important thing was to stop, completely again, and address all the above issues sober. And to stay away from booze, drugs and triggers as much as possible until I got my feet under me again.
Trudger of Happy Destiny
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Naperville, IL
Posts: 1,918
Originally Posted by UK7
After 12 weeks in treatment I messed it up. I am gutted.
If you had relapsed in the past......how did you recover? Thanks.
If you had relapsed in the past......how did you recover? Thanks.
I drew a line and my sand, accepted the situation for what it was and realized dwelling on it wouldn't change a thing, called my former sponsor, got to a meeting the next day, and worked the steps.
YOU know what to do!!!
Recovering
Join Date: May 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 1,361
My tip for recovery after relapse is don't put it off.
I was sober for over 12 months, thought I could then moderate my drinking and then spent the next 3-4 years drinking too much - always going to get back on the wagon "tomorrow".
I've also learned I can never drink moderately and that a long period of abstinence did not turn me into a normal drinker.
I was sober for over 12 months, thought I could then moderate my drinking and then spent the next 3-4 years drinking too much - always going to get back on the wagon "tomorrow".
I've also learned I can never drink moderately and that a long period of abstinence did not turn me into a normal drinker.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
