Learning to Celebrate Without Getting High
One suprising thing about recovery is that the urge to use hits me when I’m happy, having a good time, or celebrating.
Sure, I prepared myself for other triggers, like pain, boredom, stress, and depression. I even prepared for triggering situations like being around people who use or seeing drug use on television or in a movie (I remembered that from quitting smoking - how every time someone lit up on screen, I had a 10 minute nicotine fit. No British gangster films for me for a while!).
But I didn’t realize that some of the most intense cravings would be triggered by good times.
It makes sense though, doesn’t it? That’s how I celebrated in the past, and I hardly needed a legit reason: Got my tax refund? Let’s get an 8-ball! School’s out for summer? Woo! Pass me that joint! Thanksgiving at my in-law’s? Well, I think you get the picture.
Hopefully, celebrations and happy times will be a big part of everyone’s recovery. So how do we get through these potentially triggering events?
- First off, be prepared. Right in the middle of a good time, you might start to reminisce about how much fun it could be to get lit right now. Well, fast-forward that memory all the way to the end; where you’re broke, friendless and in withdrawals and you’ll soon remember that it’s not worth it.
- Plan your celebrations with at least a couple of people who know what’s going on with you & your recovery. A supportive friend or family member really can save the day.
- Before you plan a celebration, spend some time figuring out what is fun for you now that you’re in recovery. Develop new hobbies and interests so you won’t be tempted to fall back on old habits.
- Manage expectations and be realistic. I don’t mean assume you’ll have a crappy time, but do keep in mind that the euphoria of party-times past was manufactured by the chemicals you were taking.
- Adjust your concept of fun to include: talking with friends, taking a walk, eating good food, playing with the kids, sports or dancing. And stay in a greatful frame of mind - you might not be having this day to celebrate if you hadn’t got your act together, huh?
- Stay involved with what’s going on around you. Play with the kids or strike up a conversation with someone who looks lonely. Find out if the hostess needs any help - anything to keep from isolating yourself.
- Most importantly, be aware. Know that the urge to use can come upon you unexpectedly, and know that you can deal with it. It’s so much easier to ride out the feeling if you’re mentally prepared for it.
How have you learned to celebrate without getting high?
If you like this post subscribe to the feed
