Having a good recovery program is the best method to prevent relapsing back to your addictive behavior. Your “toolbox” should be in your hand at all times. If you are not working a good recovery program you will know it. It will show in your attitude, and your thoughts. You may start having negative thinking, and feel a resentment growing. STOP! Go to a meeting now! Call your sponsor! Meet a recovering friend for coffee.
Sample items in your TOOL BOX:
- Meeting attendance
- Sponsor time: by phone and in person
- Step work
- Reading the Big Book
- A spiritual path or program
- Phone numbers to call
- A Home group
- Ability to listen
- Ability to recognize triggers
- Ability to interrupt triggers
- Exercise
- Yoga, stretching, meditating, breathing, EMDR…
- Friends
- Healthy Hobbies and Interests
- “Zipping your lip!”
- Asking for help
- Learning new communication skills
- Giving back
- Honesty
- Stop isolating
- Communicate
Relapses usually start weeks before they actually happen. The recovering pilot has to stay vigilant and conscious, as addiction is insidious and clever and will sneak right back into your life before you know it.
If you do relapse, it isn’t the end of the world. Hopefully, your job is not in jeopardy, but make sure to return to your recovery program quickly, with honesty and integrity. This has to be a lifetime commitment.