What To Do If You Use Again
Stop – If you use again following a period of abstinence, the first thing to do is tell your self to STOP using all substances immediately.
Make it a slip – Feeling bad or guilty is a signal to change and not give up and keep drinking. Acknowledge what you feel. Guilt and disappointment are normal under the circumstances of a slip and you have to work through them.
Get Honest – Be honest with yourself. Now that the slip has occurred, being proactive, i.e., taking positive steps is a practical and meaningful way of getting back abstinence. Get the help you need. Do what worked before.
Get help – Immediately share your slip with some other concerned person, e.g., such as a family member, clergy, sponsor, counselor, or support person from a recovery program. If you have been using over a period of weeks or months, seek professional intervention.
Reflect, what went wrong – Journaling is a good way to list and understand the circumstances that contributed to your slip. Did circumstances include a change in relationship(s): an alteration of recovery-oriented practices: a shift in emotions; unexpected event; etc.?
Reflect, what worked – Evaluate how well you have used your support systems in the past. Had you reduced the number of meetings or support activities prior to your relapse? What activities or friends helped to support your recovery? Write down anything that helped you stay abstinent.
Get a Plan – Write out a plan and/or contact an understanding person that can assist you in writing a relapse-prevention plan, if you are not already doing so within a treatment program.
Cut off the slip as soon as possible—- regain control. Do what you need to do to be healthy and safe!
OADE is available 631-7970 or the UCC 631-7336