Friday, July 11, 2008

Relapsing into Relapse

Relapse happens often. And there is nothing wrong with that. It is often PART of recovery. Really.

Step one: Learn to not be so frustrated with yourself as though you have fallen from grace because you are human and relapsed. It is okay. It is really okay. I promise you.

Step two: You must learn that you're not necessary back at the beginning just because you relapsed and are ill again. Any progress you made or good experiences you had are NOT negated by your current relapse. You will use them as you try to recover again and you will know better what to do and what not to do. You will be more aware. Use it.You will get to the place you want to be eventually. It may take a while. It may be a rough road. But you will get there.

The things we struggle for the most are the most rewarding in the end. Your LIFE is important and you are struggling for a healthy, happy one right now...and when you get there...it will be fantastic.

Step three: Hang in there and keep trying to get help for the things you need. Sometimes in order to GET a real life, you have to put your current life on hold. You have to stop and take the time to get real help. It will be worth it in the end. Because the end will be your new beginning.

4 comments:

Gary said...

Arielle,

I just spent some time reading all of your posts here and wanted to express what a wonderful site you have started. As with so many things we struggle with it is comforting to realize that we are not alone.

Thanks for reaching out to those going through difficult times.

I also really liked the video you have on the bottom from Dove. It's amazing anyone feels good about themselves with the message of inadequacy constantly bombarding us.

Arielle Bair, MSW, LSW said...

Thanks so much, Gary. I truly appreciate that. :)

I'm glad you liked browsing the blog.

Thanks again...I really take your words to heart.

Much love,
Arielle

Kristina said...

I've just been perusing this blog a little, and I love what you say here - that relapsing is a part of the process of recovery. My therapist frequently tells me that going through stuff is like untangling a phone cord. We'll get through one part, but there will be other parts that tangle up again.
Thanks,
Kristina

Arielle Bair, MSW, LSW said...

Thanks, Kristina. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment about something that meant something to you. Glad you enjoyed your visit to the blog. Hope you'll stop by again soon! It's so true that recovery is a PROCESS and not merely a destination. You know? Take care and keep working through!

Much love,
Arielle