Relapse is more than just taking that first drink
Relapse, to a member of AA, usually is thought of as beginning to pick up that drink or drug again. I believe that it is more, much more. Although drinking again is a sure sign of relapse, it starts much before the actual act of drinking.
Relapse starts by beginning to lose faith in self, the AA Program, and/or your Higher Power. What follows is as much a Relapse as returning to drinking. These dry relapses are married to the actual act of drinking!
The question, then, is how much do you really wish to remain sober? I believe that it, although maybe not being easy, is very simple. Here are 6 ways to think about staying not just dry but sober.
1. Evaluate how you are or were working on your program. Were you learning and working it with your head or your heart. If with your head, you may be able to recite the Big Book and 12 Steps and Traditions from memory but how much do you actually FEEL what you are saying. Just reading and hearing something does not guarantee anything. When in school, how many tests or exams did you study hard for only to forget most of what you learned right after the exam? The AA Program is no different! Work it with your heart. When you do this, you will FEEL it and reap the rewards.
2. When in the madness, you were so miserable. Are you still going to the same places, associating with the same people, doing the same things, and the list goes on?
3. When what you were doing led to and continued to add to your problems, it looks like some changes should be made. Now, what should be changed?
4. Are you still going to the same places? Wet places lead to wet faces! Why go to the bar for lunch? Did you go to the bar for lunch before just for the food?
5. Who are you associating with? Are you still associating with the same “friends” that you were with when in the madness, even if they are still out there in the madness? Are they still drinking and/or drugging and wanting you to stop at the bar with them “Just for lunch?” When you do give in and stop with them “just for lunch,” how many Diet Cokes or tonic waters could you drink with them as they drank their beers or mixed drinks?
6. Do you really play better golf, ride your bike more safely, or dance better when you have “had a few?” Then, do you always remember doing it?
7. Have you come to realize that there is a Power much greater than us? That this Power is ready, able, and willing to help you do anything that you choose?
More on this subject will follow at another time very soon.
Remember, if you did not drink or drug today, you have something that you do not have when drinking — Choices!
What do you choose? Thank you, God
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