How to Deal With Emotions in Relapse Prevention

It is normal and inevitable to experience a wide range of emotions in a lifetime. The feelings you encounter do not cause problems; the problems arise as a result of trying to avoid or obliterate those uncomfortable emotions Although you may be accustomed to employing unwholesome methods to handle your feelings, recovery requires that you employ a change in thinking, a hopeful attitude and a new, constructive plan of action when faced with emotions that generate discomfort.

Instructions

• 1

  It helps to become aware of and to avoid those situations which compel you to indulge in unhealthy thoughts and patterns of behavior. A positive step toward relapse prevention might include your conducting an honest examination of past relationships and associations in order to identify which of them have been or may be detrimental to your recovery.

• 2

  When signs of stress, anxiety, depression, denial or impulsive behavior start to surface, talk to someone right away. Otherwise, pride and misguided thinking may cause you to attempt to handle your problems all by yourself, increasing the danger of relapse.

• 3

  Isolation and boredom often contribute to the indulgence of negative thought patterns which may, in turn, provoke a relapse. Keeping a connection with other people and remembering to help others may be antidotes to the self-preoccupation that often accompanies isolation.

• 4

  When destructive emotions arise, it helps to spend some time around supportive people. Attendance at meetings where such individuals assemble is one option. It may be beneficial for you to take part in a special weekend get-away or retreat with a community of like-minded people who are capable of providing support, encouragement and the opportunity to socialize.

• 5

  Unpleasant feelings should be acknowledged but should not be permitted an opportunity to develop into harmful emotions that might encourage relapse.