Relapse Prevention

Staying Strong: Thanksgiving and Sobriety with a Tricky Family

Addiction, Problem Solving, Relapse Prevention, Relationships /
Staying Strong: Thanksgiving and Sobriety with a Tricky Family
Tips to Staying Strong: Thanksgiving and Sobriety with a Tricky Family

Thanksgiving can be a special time to gather with family, but it can also be tough, especially when dealing with a family that feels a bit challenging. If you’re working on staying sober and finding it hard with a dysfunctional family during this time, you’re not alone. Here are some helpful tips and thoughts to help you stay strong and positive during Thanksgiving.

Create Your Support Squad

It’s super important to have people you trust around you during tough times. Talk to a family member or a friend who understands your situation and can support you during Thanksgiving. Having someone there for you can make a big difference.

Have a Game Plan

Before heading into the family gathering, make a plan. Think about what you’ll say if someone offers you a drink or pressures you. Having a plan in mind can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Focus on Non-Alcoholic Treats

Thanksgiving is all about the food! Fill up your plate with delicious non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Treat yourself to some yummy mocktails or fancy sodas. When your hands are occupied with tasty treats, it’s easier to say no to alcohol.

Take Breaks When Needed

If things start feeling overwhelming, it’s totally okay to take a breather. Find a quiet spot or take a short walk to clear your mind and relax. Sometimes a few moments alone can make a big difference.

Create New Traditions

Start a new tradition that doesn’t involve alcohol. Maybe it’s playing board games, watching a favorite movie, or taking a family walk. Creating new memories without alcohol can be refreshing and fun!

Stay Positive and Kind to Yourself

Remember, you’re doing an amazing thing by staying sober. Be proud of yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself if things get tough. You’re taking care of yourself, and that’s something to celebrate.

Thanksgiving can be a mixed bag of emotions, especially with a dysfunctional family, but staying sober is an incredible achievement. Surround yourself with support, have a plan, and focus on enjoying the positive moments. You’ve got this!

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🌟 Discover Hope this Christmas with Ornaments of Recovery on Etsy! 🎄

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse /

Transform your holiday season into a celebration of strength, resilience, and hope with our exclusive collection of handcrafted sobriety-themed ornaments at Positive Directions Recovery Shop on Etsy!

🌈 Meaningful Milestones:

Embrace and showcase your recovery journey with pride! Our ornaments feature sobriety milestones, turning your Christmas tree into a visual representation of the triumphs you’ve achieved.

🎁 Thoughtful Gifts:

Looking for a heartfelt gift for a loved one in recovery? Our ornaments make for the perfect present. Show your support and celebrate their journey with a unique and meaningful token that will be cherished for years to come.

Serenity Prayer Ornament is a Great Holiday Gift Idea
Serenity Prayer Ornament is a Great Holiday Gift Idea

🌲 Spark Conversations:

Transform your holiday gatherings into moments of connection and understanding. Our ornaments serve as powerful conversation starters, fostering open discussions about addiction recovery and spreading awareness.

This Christmas, let your decorations tell a story of triumph, growth, and the promise of a brighter future. Visit Positive Directions Recovery Shop on Etsy today and make this holiday season a celebration of recovery and resilience! 🌟🎁🌲

🌟 Discover Hope this Christmas with Ornaments of Recovery on Etsy! 🎄 Read More »

How to Beat Holiday Anxiety, Stay Sober and Strong Around Difficult Toxic Family Members

Addiction, Anxiety, Relapse Prevention, Relationships, Self-Care /
There are tips below to Beat Holiday Anxiety & Stay Sober When Around Toxic Family Members

The holiday season is meant to be a time of happiness, love, and laughter. But what if you have a tough time when you’re around family members who make you feel anxious or unhappy? Don’t worry – you can learn how to manage your anxiety and stay strong during the holidays. Here are some simple tips to help you enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Take Deep Breaths: When you start to feel anxious, remember to take slow, deep breaths. This can help you calm down and think more clearly. Try counting to four as you breathe in, and then count to four as you breathe out.
  • Stay Positive: Focus on the good things about the holidays. It could be the delicious food, the pretty decorations, or the joy of gift-giving. Try to find something positive to think about, even when you’re around tough family members.
  • Set Boundaries: It’s important to know your limits. If a conversation is making you uncomfortable, politely excuse yourself or change the subject. You have the right to protect your feelings.
  • Find a Support System: Talk to a friend or someone you trust about your feelings. Sometimes, sharing your worries with someone who cares can make you feel better. You can also find a 12 Step meeting to attend. They are everywhere & many offer 24 hour meetings during the holidays like on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or New Years Day.
  • Practice Relaxation: Find ways to relax. You could try yoga, meditation, or even listening to calming music. Doing something you enjoy can help you unwind.
  • Have Fun Distractions: Go for a walk outside or to the store shopping or just looking around. This can be a great way to take your mind off any stress. Don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one.

Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious or upset during the holidays, especially when you’re around difficult family members. But with these tips, you can reduce your anxiety and stay strong. The holidays should be a time for joy and love, and by taking care of yourself, you can make sure that’s what you experience.

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Mindfulness: A Powerful Tool for Overcoming Addiction

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse /
Mindfulness in Addiction Recovery
Learn about mindfulness as a tool to use in recovery

Recovering from addiction can be super tough. It’s like trying to climb a big mountain with lots of obstacles. But guess what? You have an amazing tool in your backpack: mindfulness! Let’s break it down to understand how it can help.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is like a superpower that helps you stay in the present moment. It means paying attention to what’s happening right now without worrying about the past or the future. It’s like being the boss of your thoughts and feelings. Think of your mind as a factory that produces thoughts. These thoughts can be about the past, the future, or what’s happening right this second. They’re like a never-ending stream of ideas, memories, and worries.

Mindfulness is like flipping a switch in your brain. It’s when you decide to pay attention to what’s happening right in front of you, without getting lost in those thoughts about the past or future. It’s like watching a movie without checking your phone or daydreaming. In mindfulness, you don’t judge your thoughts. You don’t label them as good or bad. Instead, you accept them just as they are and let them come and go, like watching clouds pass in the sky.

Understanding Triggers

Imagine you have a big red button that makes you want to use drugs or alcohol. These buttons are called triggers. Mindfulness helps you spot these buttons. When you know your triggers, you can deal with them better. It’s like having a map to avoid tricky spots on your climb.

Controlling Emotions

Sometimes, our thoughts bring along feelings – like happiness, sadness, or anger. Mindfulness helps you notice these feelings without getting swept away by them. It’s like saying, “Hey, I see you, feeling, but I won’t let you take over.”

Less Cravings

Cravings are like waves that want to pull you back into addiction. Mindfulness helps you watch those cravings without giving in to them. It’s like saying, “I see you, craving, but I’m not going to listen to you.”

Handling Stress

Life can be super stressful, and stress can lead to relapse. Mindfulness gives you tools to calm your mind. Breathing exercises and meditation can be your secret weapons against stress. When you practice mindfulness, it’s like giving your brain a rest from all the worrying and planning. This can reduce stress and make you feel more at ease.

Feeling Better About Yourself

Addiction can make you feel bad about yourself. Mindfulness is like a mirror that shows you the awesome person you are. It teaches self-love and self-acceptance.

Learning New Ways to Cope

Mindfulness often involves taking a few deep breaths to help you stay focused on the present. It’s like a little break for your mind, helping you stay calm and centered in the middle of a busy day. Instead of turning to drugs or alcohol, mindfulness helps you find better ways to cope with life’s challenges. It’s like having a toolbox full of useful tools.

Staying Strong Together

Practicing mindfulness with others in recovery builds a strong support team. You can help each other on this tough journey. It’s like having friends who understand what you’re going through.

In the end, mindfulness is like a superhero cape that helps you conquer addiction. It takes practice, but it’s worth it. Remember, you’re not alone on this climb. With mindfulness by your side and a supportive community, you’ve got what it takes to reach the top of that mountain called recovery.

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Facing Relapse Triggers: How to Stay Strong in Your Alcohol Recovery”

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention /
Road to Recovery: Facing Relapse Triggers: How to Stay Strong in your Alcohol Recovery

Alcohol recovery is a challenging journey, and one big challenge is dealing with something called “relapse triggers.” These triggers are like little alarms that can make you want to drink again. But don’t worry, there are ways to stay strong and face these triggers head-on.

Understanding Relapse Triggers

Relapse triggers can be things that make you think about drinking or make you feel like you need a drink. They can be different for each person, but common triggers include stress, sadness, hanging out with friends who drink, or even seeing alcohol in a store. It’s important to know what your triggers are so you can be ready when they show up.

Creating a Plan

Having a plan is like having a superhero shield against relapse triggers. When you feel a trigger coming on, you can use your plan to stay strong. Your plan might include things like calling a friend, going for a walk, or doing something fun to take your mind off drinking. Having these strategies ready can help you stay on track.

Finding Support

You don’t have to face these triggers alone. Friends and family can be your sidekicks in your recovery journey. Talk to them about what you’re going through, and let them know how they can help. Joining a support group is another great way to find people who understand what you’re dealing with. Sharing your struggles and hearing others’ stories can be really encouraging.

Changing Your Environment

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to change your surroundings if they’re full of triggers. If certain places or people make you want to drink, it might be best to avoid them for a while. Surround yourself with people and places that support your goal of staying sober. A safe environment can make a big difference.

Remembering Why You Chose Sobriety

Your “why” is your reason for choosing to be sober. Maybe it’s because you want to be healthier, have better relationships, or be in control of your life. Whatever it is, keep your “why” in your mind like a superhero’s mission. When you face a trigger, remind yourself of your reasons for staying strong. This can give you the strength to say no to that drink.

Facing relapse triggers is tough, but with the right tools and support, you can be a superhero in your own life. Identify your triggers, create a plan, find people who have your back, change your environment if needed, and always remember why you chose to be sober. These steps can help you stay strong and continue on your path to a healthier, happier life without alcohol.

Facing Relapse Triggers: How to Stay Strong in Your Alcohol Recovery” Read More »

Don’t Let Your Stimmy Raise Your Risk of Relapse

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse /
You can reduce your risk of relapse even when receiving big sums of money like the recent stimulus

Are you new in recovery, have identified that one of your relapse triggers is having money & you are waiting or have recently got your stimulus check?  I know it can cause anxiety for people if having cash on hand is one of your triggers. 

Let’s come up with a few strategies to help you remain in recovery & not blow your stimmy on something you are going to regret.

Tips to Avoid Relapse When You Receive a Windfall like “the latest Stimmy”

 1 ) Create a Spending/Saving Plan for the Money

Financial recovery is part of recovery as addictions can take a HUGE toll on personal finances.  I’m sure savings are low or maybe savings is not your forte, create a plan for the money.  Give a job to each dollar. It’s time to get your life together & part of that is being responsible with money.

2) Consider letting a trusted person in your life save it for you or perhaps open a savings account at a bank or financial institution. 

Set the account up so you do not have instant access via your phone.  That way you have to physically go into the bank, during bank hours to make a withdrawn. 

Word of warning about a “trusted person”, make sure this is a healthy person & not one that is one of the codependent people in your life that you need to set boundaries with.  Also family many times mean well but also can sometimes set you up for failure in a subconscious way.  A lot of times they have enabled your addiction, so those are the people you do not want to use as an accountability, trusted financial person. 

Let’s say you do not have a trusted person in your life as you are starting to creating healthy relationships, then the financial institution such as your bank would be a good, safe bet.  They are impartial & are not emotionally invested in any decision making. 

3) Don’t Carry a Bunch of Cash on You

If at some point you are having a weak moment and your day is not going the way you would like, you will reduce your risk of relapse if you do not have cash on you.  Most dealers are cash based.  If you do not have any cash on you or just a few dollars, you are not going to be able to purchase any or at the very least a very small amount of drugs/alcohol.   

Those are a few quick tips so that stimmy doesn’t fund a relapse.  Remember recovery is worth it!!!! I’m sure you can find some healthy way to use that stimmy 🙂 You Can Do This!!!!! but of course I had to post a funny meme about it 🙂

If you should have any questions or would like a free consult about counseling, please feel free to reach out to me at (727) 815-6017

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Recovery Tips for Christmas

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse /
Holidays can be difficult in early recovery
Holiday celebrations or holiday isolation can increase risk of relapse

I wanted to discuss the upcoming holidays as it is typically a high risk time for people in recovery from substance use disorders. Plus let’s add a topping of Covid-19 stress, social distancing, mask wearing & isolation and guess what, it’s pretty much the perfect mix of a storm for relapse.

I wanted to give you a few ideas to help you reduce that risk. These tips will be for people staying home by themselves as well as those going out to visit family. Either way I’m sure the holidays are looking a little bit different than normal.

Staying Home by Yourself

  • Watch one of your fav holiday movies with super buttery popcorn in your jammies with a pet. (I recommend Elf or Christmas Vacation)
  • Go attend a 12 step meeting (most areas offer a 24 hour Alcathon’s which are AA meetings round the clock on Christmas Eve & Day as well as New Year’s Eve & Day)
  • Remind yourself – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is an entire recovery community waiting to meet you. Look around social media they are there.
  • If you do not want to go in person, check out a zoom AA or NA meeting or recovery podcast.
  • Treat yourself to your fav holiday meal & big dessert
  • Take a nap ,long bath, pedicure, etc.. (treat yourself to some nice self-care)
  • Zoom/Facetime, text or call your friends or family (don’t have any- check out a 12 step meeting)

Holidays with Others

Can be tricky – hopefully you are spending the holidays with people that are supportive of your recovery but that does not happen all the time. So here’s what you can do if you find yourself around the unsupportive bunch on the holidays.

  • Ignore the bad behaviors of others (LET IT GO) You will not change them today. So why let them ruin your day?
  • Excuse yourself & take a walk outside if you find yourself getting upset
  • Call/text a supportive friend or sponsor
  • Check out a recovery app on your phone or look on IG for Recovery accounts (there are tons)
  • Go check out a 12 step meeting (most areas offer a 24 hour Alcathon’s which are AA meetings round the clock on Christmas Eve & Day as well as New Year’s Eve & Day) YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
  • Ignore the bad behaviors of others (so worth repeating) (Uncle So & So is being a jerk, let it go because guess what you are not going to change him today)
  • Make an excuse & leave the event early

So here are a few tips to help you manage any risk for relapse over the upcoming holidays. If you need more help, consider scheduling your free 20 recovery strategy session

Recovery Tips for Christmas Read More »

Positive Directions Recovery Shop is Live on Etsy

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Relationships, Self-Care, Substance Abuse /
The new shop will have all things recovery from substance abuse, depression, anxiety codependency & toxic relationships.

I am so excited to share about the new Positive Directions Recovery Shop.  I created this shop on Etsy to help people who may be struggling in recovery and want a way to independently work on themselves in between sessions or even if they are not in counseling presently. 

I created Recovery Journey Workbooks that are instant digital downloads.  I priced them within everyone’s price range so if you cannot afford therapy or do not have insurance, you’ll still be able to work on your recovery. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PositiveDirections

The Recovery Journey Workbooks are an easy to read format with worksheets to help you learn the skills to put into place to free yourself from negative mindsets that can increase your risk of relapse. Plus each workbook has lots of fun bonuses as well (but I’m not going to spoil the surprise for you but they are awesome)  I just uploaded another workbook last night which is new and about learning to cope with Toxic Relationships. 

Other fun finds are some coffee mugs I created.  Who doesn’t love a great coffee mug?  I know I do.  Here’s my favorite 🙂

Being a Sober Mom is My Superpower (my fav)

So check out the shop by clicking the button below.

Take Me to the Shop

Positive Directions Recovery Shop is Live on Etsy Read More »

Things You Can Do to Handle a Craving or Urge

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse /
You can implement skills to manage cravings & urges

When you are beginning to stay sober, entering recovery & want to not use drugs & alcohol, there can be a little fear.  Who am I kidding…? not a little fear…. ALOT of fear about urges, cravings, thoughts that say you can’t do this.  Thoughts will tell you it is too hard. 

I would like to address those fears here and provide you with 15 things you can do during a craving or urge to stop the thoughts that make you feel like you need to drink or use drugs. 

First things first, let’s talk about fear.

Fear is based out of irrational thought.  Yep, I said it & if you look at fear you will agree as well.  Here is why I say that.  Do you remember a time when you felt afraid to do something?  Yes, we all do. Sometimes fear stopped us & other times it did not. 

Here’s my challenge to you:  

Do you remember a time when you felt fear but pushed through anyways.  That’s typically a time when you were forced to face the fear whatever that may be.  Now remember that feeling after you faced the fear.  A big rush of Whew….YES!!! or even astonishment that you did it.    And later what did you say to yourself.  It really wasn’t that bad or no big deal.   Can you see how fear is false?

Create Your Plan

So to be successful in recovery it’s basically the same process with facing a craving or urge.  Cravings and urges do not last very long (research suggests they are less than 2 mins).  They will come & go.  Initially it may feel like they come & go every few minutes and they might.  However, there are ways to cope with urges and cravings and not succumb to them. Also they will get less & less as time goes on.

I’m a firm believer of having a great plan prior to tackling some big or small issues.  So I created a list of 15 things you can do if you are feeling a craving or urge.  You can have this at hand before you decide to quit using or drinking.  They are helpful & will give you the ammunition you need to kick this addiction to the curb. 

15 Things You Can Do to Cope with a Craving or Urge

  • Distract yourself by cleaning something
  • Call a friend who is supportive of you
  • Attend an AA meeting (during Covid, there are many meetings online)
  • “Play the tape out”
  • Close your eyes & take some deep breaths
  • Listen to a guided meditation
  • Take your dog for a walk
  • Take a shower
  • Watch a movie
  • Re-organize something (closet, bookshelf, sort thru junk mail)
  •   Do some yoga
  •   Watch a motivational video on You Tube
  •    Read something positive
  •    Close your eyes & picture a wave “Ride the urge”
  •    Journal a list of why sobriety is important to you

Ok so there is a list of things you can do during an urge or craving to drink or use drugs.  The key takeaway is fear is a liar and not true.  You can do this with a plan.  If you need some extra help, book a free 20 min recovery strategy session with me so we can start to turn this situation around. 

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Staying Sober During Holiday BBQ’s

Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse /
Staying sober with a plan is key
Holiday BBQ’s can increase your risk of relapse. But don’t worry – staying sober can happen with a plan.

Staying sober during holiday get togethers can be difficult.  The 4th of July is coming up in a week.    Holiday BBQ’s are typically filled with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad & of course, cold refreshments (beer, wine & perhaps red, white & blue jello shots). 

So it can increase your risk of relapse.  There’s some good news of course in that if you have a plan for those types of events, it is way easier to keep your recovery in check.

Here are a few tips to help you with creating that plan

Stay close to the sober people

Not everyone will be drinking.  The people that are the drinkers typically stay together.  However, let’s say everyone is drinking (worst case scenario) nominate yourself to be the DD (designated driver) & let the host know that ahead of time. 

The host of the party & drinkers will appreciate that you are acting responsibly to make sure they get home safely.

Practice your excuse before the event

Everyone does not need to know all of your business unless you want them to. Sometimes it can lower your self-esteem & increase your feelings of shame.  Drug and alcohol problems have people feeling so much shame.  Let go of that and decide ahead of time (key point- figure this out ahead of time) what you will say. 

You can always role play this with a loved one.  I guarantee there is someone in your corner that wants you to stay sober and if not, give me a call.  It’s free and I would love to help you figure this out. 

Some examples of excuses that work & people typically won’t question (& if they do, ignore them & stand your ground)

“I don’t drink”

“My doctor said I can’t drink”

“I have to drive”  

“I’m on a 30 day no alcohol cleanse”

“I’m the DD for the evening”

Do Not Feel Guilty about Staying Sober

I know if you tell them no, they might continue to put the pressure on and make you feel like you are the fun sucker of the party.  Stand fast friend.  Your sobriety is the number 1 important thing in this and not a random BBQ that happens every year. 

The Big Picture

Look at the big picture & if you are reading this, I know you know that alcohol is a problem in your life.  Take a moment & imagine how good you are going to feel when you wake up the day after the BBQ with no shame.  What a win….you stayed sober.  It’s an awesome feeling & this whole deal gets easier with time.  Trust me it does with practice.

If you are struggling and worried about staying sober at the upcoming 4th of July festivities, please reach out and schedule your free 15 min phone consultation so we can talk about ways to help you stay sober. 

Schedule Free Phone Consultation

Let’s talk about it so you can enjoy yourself on this Independence Day because you know what you are breaking free from alcohol.  Talk about freedom! 

Here is where you can find more information about alcohol counseling

Staying Sober at BBQ's
Tips to Staying Sober at BBQ’s

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