~ Addressing the Issue of Relapse ~

**If you are in relapse or contemplating relapse, you can call our helpline
at anytime for support at 1-800-874-5071**

In recovery, (especially early recovery--the first 1 to 3 years), one of the most commonly talked about
issues is also one that is often shrouded in misinformation and superstition, more so than actual facts. An example might be the belief that the exterior things in our life can cause relapse such as: having a job or
losing a job; having a home or losing a home; having money or losing money; etc. Another example that you might see is when someone has a relapse, there are those who then avoid that person like the
plague, (even when they are back in their meetings), for fear of perhaps the relapse rubbing off on them.
While both of these examples are damaging to both quality of life and our relations with others, the
most damaging is that when we get off track on the bunny trails of misinformation, we are then in the
greatest danger of the thing that is often feared most--RELAPSE. So below you are going to find
some helpful information to use for yourself AND in working with new alumni as you journey the road
of recovery.

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The first question that must be asked is, Are we really placing recovery first? (or) Are we making it
contingent on other people, places or circumstances?

THE SUREST WAY TO RELAPSE IS TO DO NOTHING.

Making excuses for missing meetings and Aftercare leads to Stinking Thinking

BELOW ARE THE VARIOUS AREAS OF OUR SELF: SYMPTOMS (left unaddressed), ACTIONS OR LACK THERE OF, THAT CAN LEAD AND/OR CONTRIBUTE TO RELAPSE

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(A) PHYSICAL / MENTAL

1. Irregular eating habits

2. Irregular sleeping habits

3. Listlessness--no energy

4. Overwhelming thirst or craving for a drink

5. Shakes, sweats, nausea

6. Restlessness--hyperactivity

7. Frequent headaches or other pains

8. Anxiety attacks--rapid heartbeat, poor concentration,
preoccupied, confusion

 

(B) EMOTIONAL

1. Lack of confidence in ability to stay sober

2. Denial--one will not hurt me

3. I will never drink/use again!

4. Defensiveness

5. Compulsive behavior--rigid or repetitive

6. Impulsive behavior--overreaction

7. Tunnel vision--life off balance--too much of one thing (i.e. ~ all work and no fun)

8. Depression--(brief) or (prolonged & deep)

9. Daydreaming--wishful thinking

10. Things do not go our way

11. Immature wish to be happy without doing anything to achieve it.

12. Easily angered

13. Development of an I do not care attitude

14. Resentments--hate

15. Self-pity--the poor me syndrome

16. To little self-forgiveness

17. Dissatisfaction with life

18. Feeling of powerlessness, helplessness--nothing will work

19. Lying

20. Loss of self-confidence

21. Easily frustrated--overly sensitive

22. Guilt

23. Not sharing feelings as they come up

(C) INTERPERSONAL (INVOLVES OTHERS)

1. Attempts to impose sobriety on others (convert the world)

2. Going on 12 step calls to soon or alone

3. Loneliness--isolating

4. Irritation with friends or family

5. Open rejection of help

6. Loss of humility --I am better than they are.

7. I do not care--They do not care--I do not care that they do not care--we cease to love

8. Projecting--blaming others for your problems

(D) ENVIRONMENTAL / SITUATIONAL

1. Lack of constructive / realistic planning

2. Plans begin to fail due to poor planning, not following through, inattention to detail

3. High expectations of self and others

4. Feeling nothing can be solved, so doing nothing

5. Tackling too many problems at once

6. Loss of daily structure

7. Irregular attendance at meetings

8. Discontinuing all treatment

9. Not believing the disease concept--thinking we are cured

10. Excuses--alibis for irresponsible or inappropriate behaviors

11. Failing to address known mental health issues as directed through treatment planning

 

(E) SPIRITUAL

1. Not attending religious dwelling, (church, synagogue, temple, etc...), if this was something that you
attended regularly before.

2. Too little prayer

3. Feeling that the Higher Power has deserted us

4. The belief that we can do it alone

R E M E M B E R

Relapse is NOT an OCCURANCE--it is an OUTCOME.

By doing NOTHING, the addict and/or alcoholic is planning the next relapse.

Recovery depends on the ACTIONS we take. We MUST go to ANY lengths to achieve and maintain recovery, including--but not limited to--the fourth and fifth steps. Relapse CANNOT happen if we take the actions that will not let it happen.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1. What do I do if an alumnus tells me that they are about to use?
The best thing to do first is to see if they have had any using or drinking episodes recently, (the past 30
to 60 days). It is best to get them to a meeting and either be willing to temporarily sponsor them or get them the numbers of some people to call so that they can get a temporary sponsor ASAP. The NUMBER ONE key to preventing relapse is simply to begin placing action where there has not been any. You can also let
them know that they can call The Watershed Alumni department anytime at 877-416-9566 or they can
go to the Alumni Website at www.watershedalumni.com and reach out there through either direct connection OR posting on the forums.

2. What can I do if I am about to relapse? (Same as above)

3.What do I do if an alumnus tells me that they are currently in relapse?
If an alumnus tells you that they are currently in relapse and you are perhaps
at the Boynton or Boca facility for the Saturday Alumni meeting, it would be
best to take them to the admissions department, so that they can speak with
a member of our staff who can evaluate them and assist them in making the
best decision they need to at that moment. If however you are not at the
facility, you should have them call, (or you could call with them), the alumni number at 877-416-9566 to speak to a member of our staff and begin the process of receiving help. **If they can not get help that day, take them to
or meet them at a meeting and help them get tied back in to the recovery community.**

4.What do I do if I am currently in relapse? (Same as above)

5. How can I help someone to get into treatment?
Join The Watershed Life Savers Club, by registering on the alumni website and indicating you want
to be a member. You will receive a t-shirt and will have access to information that will aid you in
helping others who are seeking or in need of treatment.

6. How can I get back into treatment?
You can call the alumni department at 877-416-9566 or go to the alumni website
www.watershedalumni.com and click for immediate help.