Poppy46

Just wondering how people deal with what I've heard called emotional relapse (irritability, isolating, focusing on others, suppressing emotions). Newly sober for about a month for the umpteenth time but each time I'm learning.

Dee74

welcome back Poppy
I just dealt with the emotions as they happened and didn't drink over them - it got easier

having a support network for that is pretty crucial I think.

I'm glad you found your way back here

D

August252015

My husband and I (both in recovery) focus on "emotional sobriety" Keeping those type of emotions and such that you mention are what we both look to address right away, and not let fester or grow into resentments, and other potentially deadly head spirals.

I have my ups and downs but i just have to keep going and using my program tools- whether it's talking to a friend or my sponsor, giving myself some private time or napping so i have a "break" from what's going on and what/s whirling in my head or...

Keep going!

january161992

how are you today Poppy46 ?

AnvilheadII

just don't drink, no matter what. try to slow things down and keep things simple.

entropy1964

Emotional relapse for me is simply emotional immaturity. When I'm being reactive, impulsive, impatient.....results in irritability. Not getting what I want when I want it. People and things not doing or being what I expect them to be. In other words, acting like a two year old

Acceptance that everything is as it should be. Gratitude for all the amazing things in my life. Expecting nothing of others, more of myself. Recognizing what I have control over (me) and what I dont ( everyone/thing else). Forgiveness, patience, compassion. And most of this does not come naturally to me. So vigilance. Pausing, thinking and considering before I do or say anything.

Forward12

I wouldn't call this emotional relapse, I would call it coming back to reality in early recovery. Recovery is all about learning how to deal with life and handle day to day situations and emotions without just running and hiding behind a bottle.

teatreeoil007

Good that you're recognizing these things...we used to drink over many emotions....so we had that as our "go to" type thing. Now, we still have emotions that creep in on us or may seem to come out of nowhere...we gotta "deal" , so to speak. Hang thing and no matter what, don't drink over it.