THE END OF RELAPSE … ? (Post 74)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

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
www.grmumc.org

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) 
   

Posted by Gambling Recovery Ministries at 3:42 PM

2015Scott Jacobs