Post
71
Halt
the Roots of Relapse!
HALT!
The Roots of Relapse
Same meaning?
Perhaps … but look again.
The first is an imperative – a command, an order.
The second - a
description or even an
explanation. The exclamation mark clues
us in …
first:
Stop/halt
(growing/cultivating) the roots
of what may become a relapse.
second:
What are some identifiable “roots” of relapse? H.A.L.T.
Often, recovery language speaks of the “roots” of
addiction. Then too, we hear of
“recovery roots”. Less commonly
discussed, though, are the “roots of relapse” … usually referred to as
reactivation of the addictive response to triggers and urges.
It’s been known that for some folks, vacations can serve as
triggers to relapse. Possibly, the
change of scenery (that once was associated with the addiction) or the
time-on-your-hands trigger, etc., comes into play and pushes the old “action”
or “escape” buttons.
So for this beginning-of-the-summer edition of the GRM Blog, I want us to take a look at
the dynamics of four, often stated, RELAPSE
ROOTS. We’ll do this in the form
of a set of simply stated (though possibly not simple to do) questions
pertaining to each “root”. As you go
through these questions, perhaps, you will find more questions to consider in
exploring the underground/covered –up/ hidden forces that may cultivate the
dynamics that can encourage the possibilities of slips and relapses.
Remember, it has been observed: relapse
does not occur in a vacuum!
H
- Hunger
· Most
obviously, am I in need of food? Am I having meals regularly? Many people, when hungry, become irritable
and look for a quick fix to the fill the empty stomach … quick fix whether it be actual food (perhaps, the quick, unhealthy
kinds) or something else to satisfy a down mood.
·
Still on the topic of eatable food, how am I satisfying the nutritional needs of
my body (including my brain)? It’s a
no brainer (sorry for the pun) that our bodies and minds feel better with healthy
diets … plus certain medications work more efficiently with appropriately balanced
nutrition.
· What do I hunger for? Do I experience yearnings to
accomplish, to try, to experience, to attain, to become …?
A –
Angry
· Is
there a present issue that needs particular attention that
I need to resolve (1) individually with courage and Divine Help (2) with the
console of another person?
·
Are
there longstanding provocations for anger for which I need to find help from a
counselor?
· Is my
personal situation of anger one where the Serenity Prayer especially applies? (to
accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference)
L
– Lonely
·
Is
loneliness a consistent part of my daily life? Loneliness can be a very real, deep-down sense
of existence. In fact, it can be
experienced as so pervasive that it can be debilitating. It affects not only one’s self esteem but
also the person’s estimation of his/her own abilities. Loneliness fears, questions, doubts, and
limits.
·
Are
there baby-steps that I can take to open doors to meaningful communication and
interaction with others? Often we may overlook ways to reach out to
others. Even if the steps to take are mini ones, we may discover connections
and activities that were not obvious due to our blankets of loneliness. Sometimes, just the doing will bring fresh awareness to one’s situation … and more
ideas for meaningful attempts to connect.
· To
what do I attribute this pervasive feeling?
This is a very individual and personal question. It may be one to explore with a professional
counselor. Keeping involved with one’s
recovery fellowship (GA, Gam-Anon, AA, NA, OA, etc.) and volunteering for
responsibilities, within, will keep relationships going with others who,
likewise, are working their recovery programs.
They may be lonely too!
·
Does H, A, L = T ? Review what has been
mentioned already. Feeling tired holds
us down. It affects our physical work,
mental energy, and emotional sense of well-being. Debilitating tiredness may very well
intertwine with all three of the above points.
Professional health check-ups are recommended!
May this summer for you be one of healthy renewal,
affirmation, learning, peace, and courage!
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding DirectorGambling Recovery Ministries
www.grmumc.org
For more information on gambling addiction and recovery
issues, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org and www.gam-anon.org
