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The workbook is designed to help individuals to identify the warning signs of a possible slip or relapse.
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My Bad, I think I may slip back into using!
Or as some would say I may relapse!
Introduction:
The slip or relapse is sadly a common occurrence among individuals that have a history of using alcohol or drugs. Realizing that there is a potential for a slip or relapse is the beginning of making some healthy plans to avoid it from happening.
Identifying what a slip or relapse is or the definitions:
What is Relapse (Slip)? Dictionary … a return of a disease or illness after partial recovery
from it1
(AA) Slip: A common term for relapse- drinking alcohol again after a period of sobriety in AA. The term is often used as an acronym as well: S.L.I.P; Sobriety Loses Its Priority.2
“Relapse is not an isolated event. Rather, it is a process of becoming unable to cope with life in sobriety. The process may lead to renewed alcohol or drug use, physical or emotional collapse, or suicide. The relapse process is marked by predictable or identifiable warning signs that begin long before a return to use or collapse occurs.”3
1 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relapse2 http://www.ipass.net/a1idpirat/AAglossary.html3 Counselor’s manual for Relapse Prevention with Chemically Dependent Criminal Offenders (Technical Assistance Publication Series 19), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, copyrighted 1996
My Bad I May Slip!Copyrigthed June 21, 2013
by Rev. Don Allen, Jr. & Through HIM Ministrieswww.throughhimministries.org
Page 1
What about that thing called Denial!
Often what happens is that individuals begin to go into denial, about how their previous drug use or alcohol issues were, they forget how their life was out of control, and believe they can do it again with different consequences.
One of the great statements made by individuals looking at the possibility of relapse is saying: “It wasn’t that big of deal”
What is Denial? Dictionary … The act of disowning or disavowing; repudiation.
Abstinence; self-denial.
(AA) A person's refusal to admit or accept that he or she is an alcoholic; denial is one of the symptoms of the disease of alcoholism. It is this symptom that makes recovery so difficult, because denial must be overcome for recovery to take place. Denial is never completely overcome, however, and must be guarded against during recovery. There is a saying in AA, 'Alcoholism is a disease which convinces you that you do not have it.'
Can you identify how alcohol or drugs affected your life in the pass in the following areas? If you are struggling to remember, maybe ask your spouse, children, parents, co-workers, and etc. what you were when drinking or using drugs. Create a list here to see how your previous alcohol or drug use effected the people or things listed below.
Family/friends (Relationship):
Legal:
Work/education:
Financial:
Medical:
My Bad I May Slip!Copyrigthed June 21, 2013
by Rev. Don Allen, Jr. & Through HIM Ministrieswww.throughhimministries.org
Page 2
The key to remaining sober is for you to understand what could take you back to using:
It is important that we understand relapse is usually caused by a combination of factors. Some of the possible factors and warning signs to
a relapse might be:
The list below is by NO means a complete list, and some may not apply to you. However, the important things is never put yourself on a pedestal and
believe you’re beyond falling off.
Put a check mark in each of the boxes that you feel could be a Relapse warning sign for you.
□ Stopping medications (this could be medication for a physical or psychiatric problem) on one's own or against the advice of medical professionals
□ Hanging around old drinking haunts and drug using friends - slippery places
□ Isolating - not attending meetings/not calling sponsor – not using the telephone (calling) for support
□ Keeping alcohol, drugs, and paraphernalia around the house for any reason
□ Obsessive thinking about using drugs or drinking
□ Failing to follow ones treatment plan - quitting therapy - skipping doctors' appointments
□ Feeling overconfident - that you no longer need support - Believing that you have a better plan than your doctor, so make changes with his/her approval
My Bad I May Slip!Copyrigthed June 21, 2013
by Rev. Don Allen, Jr. & Through HIM Ministrieswww.throughhimministries.org
Page 3
□ Relationship difficulties - ongoing serious conflicts - a spouse who still uses
□ Setting unrealistic goals - perfectionism - being too hard on ourselves
□ Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, personal hygiene, or energy levels
□ Feeling overwhelmed - confused - useless - stressed out
□ Constant boredom - irritability - lack of routine and structure in life
□ Sudden changes in psychiatric symptoms
□ Dwelling on resentments and past hurts - anger - unresolved conflicts
□ Avoidance - refusing to deal with personal issues and other problems of daily living
□ Major life changes - loss - grief - trauma - painful emotions - winning the lottery
□ Being in the presence of drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol users, or places where you used or bought chemicals.
□ Feelings we perceive as negative, particularly anger; also sadness, loneliness, guilt, fear, and anxiety.
□ Positive feelings that make you want to celebrate.
□ Boredom.
□ Getting high on any drug.
□ Physical pain.
□ Listening to war stories and just dwelling on getting high.
□ Suddenly having a lot of cash.
□ Using prescription drugs that can get you high even if you use them properly.
My Bad I May Slip!Copyrigthed June 21, 2013
by Rev. Don Allen, Jr. & Through HIM Ministrieswww.throughhimministries.org
Page 4
□ A feeling of Spiritual disconnect
My Bad I May Slip!Copyrigthed June 21, 2013
by Rev. Don Allen, Jr. & Through HIM Ministrieswww.throughhimministries.org
Page 5
Now comes the hard part …
GETTING HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS ;
In Alcohol Anonymous and other self-help groups they recommend you find a sponsor. Some individuals don’t feel comfortable in the meetings (AA, NA, or etc.), and rather work with a pastor, friend, or family member. Whoever you choose share this list with them, and the ones you checked and develop a plan avoid these obstacles, and a standard of accountability to remain sober.
If you checked any of the warning signs listed on the previous pages who do plan to call? Name the top three people.
How can these individuals support you when you have the urge to use?
Have you shared your list of warning signs, and gave them permission to be honest with you if they see you moving towards a slip or full relapse?
My Bad I May Slip!Copyrigthed June 21, 2013
by Rev. Don Allen, Jr. & Through HIM Ministrieswww.throughhimministries.org
Page 6
