HELP! I’ve relapsed. What do I do?

As promised in my last blog – “RELAPSES. How & why they can happen”, I would like to share some sure-fire ways to help get over a relapse.

If you read my last blog, you may have some idea about how or why relapses occur but if you are experiencing a relapse RIGHT NOW this knowledge may feel pretty useless.

And that’s because it is useless. IF you are already mid-relapse!

Having knowledge about why relapses occur does not help us to stop using once we have started. So, if you have already picked-up that first drug, drink, chocolate, prostitute, casino chip etc etc and are feeling desperate, try these things:

• CONNECT WITH SOMEONE IN RECOVERY – this really is the bottom-line if you are struggling right now. Pick up the phone and call someone who you know is in recovery. If they don’t answer, call someone else. If they don’t answer, call someone else. If they don’t answer… you get the idea!
• Admit immediately to someone what has happened. Ideally this should be someone who is also in recovery, but if this really isn’t possible reach out to someone appropriate and let them know what’s going on.
• Get yourself to a 12 Step meeting. As soon as possible go to a fellowship meeting and share honestly about what’s happened.
• Draw a line under it. IMO this is crucial. Try not to beat yourself up endlessly about the relapse. It’s happened. It happens. Don’t let it ruin your recovery.
• LEARN FROM IT. Honestly look back at what went wrong and ask yourself what needs to change. Take positive action to address the need and praise yourself for doing the right thing. If you’re not sure what needs to change, ask your sponsor or someone who knows you well – you may not be able to identify what went wrong, but others usually can!
• Muster up some gratitude. I agree this might feel very difficult, however the relapse could have been worse. Don’t agree? Feel as though your life couldn’t get any worse? Well, you’re probably wrong. In my experience, things can almost always get worse. And let’s face it. You’re still alive. Be grateful for that!

As recovering addicts we cannot allow relapses to derail us completely. They happen, but they don’t HAVE to happen. And they certainly don’t have to happen more than once, if you learn the lesson the first time.

If you are reading this and you are in the middle of a relapse, phone someone NOW and get support. You are not a failure. Your recovery is not over. 

If you are reading this and you have a friend who has relapsed – forward it on. It might help.

Thanks for reading, and I wish you all a jolly Festive Season.