Once you have got into recovery in an alcohol, gambling or drug addiction rehab programme, it is true that you need never have another drink or drug again. Wow! However, if it was that simple, it would be the case that once everyone has sobered or cleaned up they would never relapse and it would all be perfectly lovely. Of course, it is not like that.
Celebrities
It always reassures me when I see celebrities who are in recovery interviewed and they acknowledge the ongoing nature of addiction. Last week I saw Jeremy Kyle interview Kerry Katona and Danniella Westbrook, both recovering cocaine addicts. I think it was Danniella who said she could not promise she would never use again though after 12 years she had no intention of doing so. She realised that recovery is a daily thing and not guaranteed if she did not keep working at it (it was also not clear if she was occasionally drinking from the programme which would concern me – she certainly admitted to drinking in recent times which is a very risky activity for a recovering drug addict).
Temptation
In order to make it less likely that we will be tempted back to the drink or drugs, we have to work a programme. Having strong willpower will not be enough. We have to remember every day how bad it was for us at the end of our drinking or using – and that is at least in part why it is good to attend meetings of Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. Hearing the difficulties and challenges of those trying to get into recovery or newly in recovery will usually remind us and reaching out to help people will help us to remain positive about our own recovery.
Triggers
Avoid triggers which could lead you back to drink or drugs. Another recognised route to relapse is if we allow ourselves to feel Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (HALT) as when we feel this way a drink or drug can look that much more enticing. So keep eating well, get plenty of rest and the programme should help you with any anger issues.
Resentments
Deal with any resentments as they arise and acknowledge your part in them. Pick up the phone to someone else in recovery and discuss why you are angry. Hopefully this will help you lance the boil. And once in recovery, there is no need for you ever to be lonely. There will always be someone to keep you company and talk to you. If you cannot reach someone by phone, get to a meeting – there should be a meeting taking place somewhere you can get to on every day of the week.
Effort
Make the effort – it will be worth it to keep your recovery – and if we make even half the effort to get to a meeting as we would have done in the past to get a drink or drug, we will be all right!
Working a programme
We keep on top of our addiction recovery on a daily basis by extending what we did when in addiction rehab. This programme keeps us on the front foot to fight it. We are continually on the offensive so it cannot get us again, rather than being on the defensive and potentially allowing a chink of weakness to get us.
If you have a drink, gambling or drug related problem, please call 01462 851414 for confidential help, a free assessment and advice