Post
74
THE
END OF RELAPSE … ?
So it’s been a journey – through relapse.
In June (Post 71), this Blog focused on the ROOTS,
or beginnings of relapse. We took a look
at the most common triggers that could steer persons off their recovery roads
and dump them into the ditch of relapse.
A play on words HALT both cautioned and
defined. Halt the edgy feelings and temptations that come with Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness.
August’s Blog (Post
73) explored further roots as described by both recovering compulsive gamblers
and their loved ones. These down-to-earth
practitioners in recovery agreed: the presented information described relapse beginnings as the basic lessening
of one’s recovery work. Once again from Post 73, relapse as they
defined it, “has its beginning when recovery work lags and those personal,
individual weaknesses gain in their self-defeating efforts ... so much so that the return to a condition of illness
aptly describes the full spectrum of relapse – right from the start!”
So is there an end to
relapse? Hopefully, yes ... a healthy one.
Naturally, the goal to wellness would be to
climb out of the ditch and continue traveling the road of recovery. Moreover – and of course - avoiding future
ventures in relapse maintains recovery and deepens individual growth toward
maturity and wellness.
For September’s edition, I want to
highlight ideas and suggestions to maintain recovery and to keep from
relapsing. The following comes from the
experts in recovery: GA and Gam-Anon.
Highlights from Maintaining Abstinence from Gambling ( www.gamblersanonymous.org)
·
Make recovery support groups
(GA) a vital part of your life … something you are doing for yourself! Participate in
the group discussions (therapy).
·
Keep in contact (telephone,
etc.) with fellow members of your support group … all need encouragement!
·
Individual character defects
and daily problems need to be addressed regularly
·
Keep the stop sign on-guard against gambling thoughts and be diligent about this!
Several
questions and thoughts from Twenty
Survival Questions for Gamblers Anonymous Members (for more questions, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org
)
·
Do you “continue to seek the help of a power
greater than yourself in trying to maintain a normal way of thinking and
living?”
·
Do you “continue to be aware that your
gambling compulsion is only ‘arrested’ not ‘cured’?”
·
Do you “continue not to tempt or test
yourself by not associating with people who gamble and not going in or near
gambling establishments …?”
For loved ones of problem gamblers, here are some
questions from Gam-Anon’s The Second
Twenty Questions (for more
questions, visit www.gam-anon.org )
·
“Have you ‘let go of people’ and things you
cannot control?”
·
“Are you aware of your feelings and can you
express them?”
·
“Are you focusing on your priorities?”
·
“Do you have dreams, aspirations, and a sense
of humor?”
Another helpful resource
from Gam-Anon is the “Moral Self-Inventory” (Watch For; Work Towards; Strive For).
You can obtain this Worksheet by contacting Gam-Anon International
Service Office – see above website. Note:
this is a very good resource for both problem gamblers and their loved ones.
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
FINALLY,
RE-CHECK POST 72
and THE NOTICE ABOUT THE UPCOMING TRAINING
FOR THECLERGY/LAY MINISTERS CERTIFICATION!
NOTICE! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!
Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 … Free Training Sessions
during Fall 2015
ACGCCB Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification
in
Problem Gambling Prevention, Education, Awareness,
and
Spiritual Outreach Care
MODULE 1:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
MODULE 2:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
MODULE 3:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
MODULE 4:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
ALL
SESSIONS: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location:
ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH
145 Barr Street, Lexington, Kentucky
(SEE MORE DETAILS OF THESE FREE TRAININGS
IN GRM BLOG AUGUST POST 72)
