Many people struggle in their recovery from substance abuse or mental health issues during this time of the year. I am writing this article to help those who are struggling gain some more strength in their recovery and avoid or minimize the risk for a relapse.
1. Most Families are Dysfunctional (always top one on my list 🙁 )
Remember most families are dysfunctional in some manner so you have to get good at ignoring bad behaviors
- Example: When someone calls you the Black Sheep of the family or say something inappropriately like “when did you get out of jail again?” while everyone is waiting on Grandma to cut the pies.
- The best way to deal with this is IGNORE it. They are putting you down because they are insecure, just being rude and unhappy with their own life.
2. Play the tape out
- Is one drink, blunt or illicit Xanax worth the possibility of sitting in jail???? or even giving up that hard earned sobriety or clean time. The answer is NO!!!!
- You have worked really hard to get where you are so do not self-sabotage yourself. You’d be surprised how many people unfortunately cannot do this 🙁
- REMINDER FOR COURT ORDERED CLIENTS: The day after a long holiday weekend is a HUGE drug testing week and yes, they do test for alcohol
3. Create an Exit Plan before you go to the event
- Plan a get-away (store runner), excuse (yes, I’m ok with lying for this if it keeps you sober/clean) use the kids, head ache or gotta go check on the dog…..whatever it is, it’s all good 😊 or perhaps use that darn work is making me go in as an excuse to get a plate and take it with you 😉
4. If it’s too hard to stay clean and sober, go to a meeting
- AA and NA meetings will be going 24 hours/day so check out your local club because it will be better than hanging with the family who make you feel bad about yourself or by yourself
- Call your sponsor
5. Focus on Self-Care
- Let’s be real sometimes the holly jolly BS can get too much, it is perfectly ok to say no to some functions if you feel it will jeopardize your recovery and do something else. That is called self-awareness and setting healthy boundaries especially if you know you will be around cousin so and so the family drug go to guy or pot head. You know the one who always has something because pretty much all families have that person.
So that rounds out my top 5 tips to minimize a potential for relapse. If you have more tips please leave them below. Also if you are struggling please reach out there is no shame in asking for help when you need it because you know what we all need that from time to time.