Warning Signs of Alcoholic Relapse

Hello my fellow Drunks and those who have suffered with us.

If you made a New Year’s resolution to quit drinking, but didn’t succeed, it’s time to take a look at what may have caused your relapse.

For me, whenever I did a little “Stinkin’ thinkin’” I knew it was the alcoholic in me telling me,
“Go ahead, this time it will be different.” That’s the same voice that used to tell me, after I closed the bar,
“Call a couple of your old girlfriends, they’d love to hear from you. It’s only three in the morning.”

Relapse is so common in the alcohol recovery process that it is estimated more than 90 percent of those trying to remain abstinent have at least one relapse before they achieve lasting sobriety. But a relapse, or a “slip,” as we call it, doesn’t begin when you pick up a drink. It is a slow process that begins long before you actually use.

Try not to be discouraged by this difficult hurdle you’re trying to jump over. I had one relapse after another, for years, before I finally got sober. It’s a nightmare, I know. As we say in my program, “Keep coming back.” Hold out for the miracle.

The steps to a relapse are actually changes in attitudes, feelings and behaviors that gradually lead to the final step, picking up a drink. One of the simplest phrases we use in my program is H.A.L.T. If you get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired these simple conditions could lead you to relapse.

In 1982, researchers Terence T. Gorski and Merlene Miller identified a set of warning signs or steps that typically lead up to a relapse. Their findings have since been verified, in studies. Our friend Buddy T. at www.about.com has the researcher’s eleven signs to watch out for if you’re headed for a relapse.

“Stay Thirsty” my friends, but make it “non-alcoholic.”

Don’t forget to tune me in every Monday evenings at 7: PM on www.KSAV.org Go to the site and then click on “Listen Live.”

Have a Happy Day.

Hooooooooooooot