Halt the Roots of Relapse! (Post 71)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

Post 71

Halt the Roots of Relapse!
HALT! The Roots of Relapse

Seeing double?  Same words.  Same order.   Yes.
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! 

T – Tired 

·      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 JacobsFounding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
www.grmumc.org

For more information on gambling addiction and recovery issues, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org  and www.gam-anon.org 
 
 

Posted by Gambling Recovery Ministries at 3:05 PM