3.14.25
Thank you, CB, for tonight’s great topic at the alumni meeting! Everyone who shared had good advice based on personal experiences and research. Unfortunately, some of the research was by trial and error. Relapses that started the recovery process over but provided knowledge of what doesn’t work and a better idea of what could work.
In rehab, they stressed the importance of aftercare, but I had no clue what type of aftercare I was going to do. Of course, I had heard of AA, but the religious misconception about it made me want nothing to do with it. I had never heard of Dharma Recovery or Smart Recovery, so I checked out the books on each to learn about those options. I also looked at the available outpatient treatment options I could do with my work schedule. I also swallowed my pride and ego to listen and do what I was told by the staff and people in recovery who were doing what it took to make their programs work for them.
We have to do all things necessary to make our recovery programs work for us. We can’t not do something because it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or difficult. All things necessary is different for everyone. So far for me, all things necessary is actively participating in AA, 4 to 5 meetings per week, weekly meetings with my sponsor, holding a service position with my home group, and holding a service position with the rehab alumni group. And individual therapy on the schedule recommended by my therapist.
I can tell by my mood and tendency to regress towards old behaviors when I am not doing all things necessary as well as I should be doing them. When this happens, I force myself to take inventory and set myself back on the right track. Doing the hard work. “Half measures availed us nothing”, and I can’t afford half results. The thought of relapsing scares me to death.
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