The Challenges of Early Recovery

Upon being discharged from the treatment facility I was in for 45 days, I was in a word….terrified. My therapists in the facility did their very best to prepare me for my day of discharge and what followed. They taught me about relapse prevention, the importance of aftercare, attending AA meetings, and more.

But, why was I experiencing the amount of anxiety that I did upon discharge and in my early days of recovery? The answer is simple really: I had come to rely on alcohol to get me through EVERYTHING for a very, very, long time. 

If I had a stressful day, I drank to ease my stress. If I had a good day, I drank to reward myself. If I was on a special occasion, I felt that I could not enjoy it unless I drank. If I had a disagreement with my wife, I drank. If I was bored, I drank. You can add many more scenarios and situations to the list. This is how I coped with life for twenty years. I had become completely dependent on alcohol and now upon leaving rehab, my biggest crutch was gone!

I cannot stress enough the amount of anxiety, nervousness, and fear that I was plagued with during the first several months of my recovery. Even though I had also come out of rehab very excited about a life without any more alcohol.

Here is some of what I did in order to stay safe and continue what I had begun in rehab:

• I continued Therapy in an Outpatient Program. Very Important. I still needed professional support.
• I went to AA Meetings pretty much every day or as often as possible and became active in the program including getting a sponsor to help me through the program of recovery found in the 12 Steps.
• I avoided certain people, places, and things for a time. Such as people I formally drank heavily with, bars, and certain types of gatherings where I knew that there was going to be heavy drinking, I avoided people and/or situations that caused me stress and had the potential of triggering a relapse.
• I made new sober friends and leaned on them for support. Typically, folks that I met in AA. We’d go out to eat after a meeting, go on AA speaking commitments together, get together with each other’s wives and families, and more.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY: I learned to live life differently and with New Coping Skills. I learned to live life Positively, Productively, Lovingly, and Happily. A New Lifestyle!

These are some of the things I did to get sober and stay sober! I now live a relatively peaceful and serene life as a result. I’m not saying that it doesn’t take a significant amount of work. It certainly does. But it’s so worth it!

I hope this helps you and gives you HOPE!  Because there is Help and there is Hope! All we have to do is reach out and ask for it!

Do you have a loved one who needs help taking these steps but is afraid, in denial, or resisting help/treatment? I can help! 

For more information and for a free 30-minute consultation please call me at 732-599-7817.

Love and Light to You All!