With the holidays fast approaching, it seems like a good time to talk a bit about our recovering friends. We want them to come to the party, but we don’t want to endanger their sobriety. What to do?
Social occasions that involve people in recovery—especially early recovery—can pose some perplexing problems for the hosts. On one hand, a host who is aware of a guest’s need to avoid mood-altering substances may wish to do what is possible to keep from exposing them to temptation. On the other hand, social drinking is a part of everyday American culture. Most social gatherings involve some drinking by some of the guests. A host may be at a loss as to how she ought to deal with recovering guests.
There are some simple things to remember. Continue Reading »
Posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Recovery, Relapse | 3 Comments »
Why we don’t get better right away
Note: This material was developed from Relapse Prevention seminars hosted by Terence Gorski. I recommend his excellent Staying Sober and its accompanying workbook for anyone interested in following the subject further. Most of these concepts are Dr. Gorski’s, adapted for a series of relapse prevention lectures.
Surprisingly, many of the problems associated with sobriety do not stem directly from drugs and alcohol. Instead, they are associated with physical and psychosocial changes that occur after the chemicals have left our bodies. These alterations in our nervous systems, physical condition, and psychosocial adjustments are known as post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Post acute withdrawal results from: (1) the combination of damage to our bodies and nervous systems as a result of using addictive chemicals, and (2) from the psychosocial stresses of coping with lives without alcohol and drugs. PAWS is the cause of most relapse.
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