Old blog to new blog: a start with some advice

When an alcoholic stops drinking, OR AN ADDICT OF ANY DESCRIPTION STOPS USING it’s cause for rejoicing. Unfortunately, sobriety OR YOUR NEW CLEAN LIFE is not guaranteed to last. It takes hard work and commitment and a keen eye for dangers. One danger to the non-using addict is a set of habits and attitudes that take the joy out of life for the addict and those around him or her. Those habits often precede a relapse into using, even if the addict has been sober or clean for years.

Here are some signs that will help you recognize the dangers of using, and some suggestions on how to cope with it.

Warning Signs

During their drinking / using years, alcoholics/addicts develop many abnormal attitudes and behaviors, which come with them into sobriety.

• acting self-important, either by “having all the answers,” or playing “poor me.”

• making harsh judgments of oneself and others.

• being impatient or pursuing whims.

• blaming others for shortcomings one suspects in oneself.

• being dishonest, usually beginning with little things.

• impulsive behavior which ignores what’s best for oneself and others.

• inability to make decisions.

• mood swings, trouble with expressing emotions, feeling unsatisfied.

• detachment, self-absorption, boredom, distraction or disorganization.

• nostalgia for the drinking/using life.

• fantasizing, daydreaming and wishful thinking or euphoria.

Cure

Talk to your sponsor, key worker, or someone you love and more importanly trust to be honest with you. Go to meetings, or your place of support where others are recovering also. Meditation, and relaxation can help, just the simple act of doing something that is good to yourself can go a long way. For those who are spiritual, tune in to your higher Power and

whatever you do don’t USE as this too shall pass.