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Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is not a problem that many of us have to confront. For those who do, here are some simple tips on how prevent a relapse. Resisting the urge to use when everyone else is using can be very difficult, but it can be done with careful planning and determination.

Personal Relapse Prevention:

If you are unsure if non-alcoholic beverages will be available, bring your own.
Stay away from the bar area and places where drugs are being used.
If offered a drink, just say "No, thank you." You do not have to explain!
If there is food available, be sure to eat, so that you are not hungry.
If you feel that you are becoming tempted to drink or use, leave early.
Stay busy. Talk to others, dance, etc. Don't give yourself the time to think about the fact that you are not using.
Don't use, no matter what!

Tips:

If others at the event are drinking, chances are they will never know that you only have cola in your glass.
If you are new to sobriety and are concerned about attending an event where alcohol will be served, arrive late and leave early. Take a sober friend, or at least their phone number.
You are probably not the only one at the party who is clean and sober. Find the winners and hang out with them.
If someone has told you that you are "codependent", don't end up going home with the one who wears the lampshade or dances on the table. Allow them the dignity of learning from their own mistakes, don't "rescue" them from hitting bottom, and run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.

When throwing an event such as a party, it is important to keep in mind some relapse prevention tips for those who are in recovery.

A Friend's Relapse Prevention:

Make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, including coffee.
Don't serve dishes cooked with alcohol. If you do, be sure to tell the recovering alcoholic.
Don't make a big deal out of the fact that one of your guests is not drinking.
Let your guest know (privately) that there are non-alcoholic beverages available, but don't announce it to the entire room.