At Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, we hope you had a safe and sober Thanksgiving. Navigating major holidays in recovery isn’t easy. If you made it through the day without picking up a drink or drug, be proud of the accomplishment. Conversely, please reach out for help if you slipped last week and experienced a relapse.
Getting back on the path of recovery following a relapse takes tremendous courage. Humbling yourself and identifying as a newcomer again is challenging, but it’s vital to survival. An inability to admit that you used will further complicate your life and result in addiction taking control. When left unchecked, there is no telling where your disease will take you.
Unfortunately, relapse is a common occurrence between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. While this year is different from any other year because of COVID-19, the holiday season is always associated with heavy alcohol use. The pandemic will mean fewer parties in the coming weeks, which could diminish your temptation to drink or use. Still, navigating recovery could be challenging for you due to the stress that accompanies this emotional time of the year.
Do everything in your power to be open and honest with your sponsor and your support network. Being truthful about what you’re going through internally is essential at any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season.
Working a program teaches men and women about the value of being forthright and truthful. You have probably heard your peers say that recovery demands honesty. Those who cannot be honest with themselves and others cannot make progress and achieve long-term recovery.
Honesty is Key to Recovery
Lasting recovery depends on keeping a finger on your spiritual pulse. Recovery also demands unity and connection with other men and women. While it’s challenging to talk about specific aspects of your life, it is essential to making progress and keeping your program intact.
Make a point of journaling what you are experiencing each day, then discuss your challenges in a meeting or with a trusted confidant. Being honest with others helps you be honest with yourself. When you’re honest with yourself, it’s a sign of progress.
Those who are dishonest with themselves are reverting to old ways of thinking. Dishonesty puts you at risk of slipping back into an addictive mindset, bringing about old behaviors. It’s worth remembering that relapse happens long before the first drink or drug. Fortunately, there is ample opportunity to correct course before addiction re-exerts control over your life.
Establishing and sticking to a routine such as daily prayer, meditation, and meetings will help you be more open and honest. The more you talk about your life with others, the easier it becomes to discuss things in your life that may lead you down a path toward relapse. It will help you identify if you’re close-minded or judgmental about something or someone, such as looking for the differences instead of the similarities.
It would be best if you shared with another anything that arises in your life that could be the impetus for old ways of thinking or behaviors. The sooner you open up, the quicker you will find a way back on track. It doesn’t pay to keep your cards close to your chest in recovery.
Do not be discouraged if you do not feel comfortable sharing about certain things in a meeting. If you have the courage to share your difficulties with a trusted peer, such as a sponsor, then there is nothing you cannot overcome. Never lose sight of the value of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness!
Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital
Please contact HVRC if you or a loved one is battling alcohol or substance use disorder. Our license as a Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital allows us to provide more services than the average addiction treatment center. We continue to help men and women get on the path toward recovery while strictly adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidelines. The health and safety of each client is our number one priority.
