Prepared

On Relevant Radio yesterday morning, we talked about preparing our recovery for the holidays. We talked about having a plan to avoid a SLIP. In recovery terms a slip is drinking or drugging when you are working on maintaining abstinence. I also like thinking of  a SLIP as Sobriety Lost Its Priority. And that is often what happens during the holidays. If we don't have a plan, if we don't make recovery the priority, an offer of a drink or drug catches us off guard.

In addition to the drugs and alcohol any of our challenges can catch us off guard without a plan. During the holidays old memories can move us into a deep sense of sadness and even depression. Family gatherings can trigger old anger and resentments that can lead to broken relationships.

A couple of practical tips I have learned over the years, may be of help.

If drugs and alcohol are the issues think through the risks. Before a party or a family gathering, drink a couple of glasses of water. You won't reach for the beer or wine or champagne out of thirst. Pray. Ask God to remind you He is there with you. Eat a piece of fruit or a sandwich before you go. Pray.  Is there someone who will attend the function also, who knows you are working on sobriety? Ask them to connect with you a couple of times during the party or gathering. Have your sponsor's number on your speed dial. Excuse yourself to the bathroom and call them. Pray.

And there's always the great complete sentence, "No, thank you." (these tips work for over-eating too) "No. I'm not able to attend this year."

And there is the other recovery acronym---HALT. Don't get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.
Without a plan for our emotions, we also can have a recurrence of the old anger that leads to outbursts. We can have a sadness that feels overwhelming. Pray. God promises He is with you in the darkness. Reaching out to someone else is a wonderful plan for dealing with these emotions. Mother Theresa says, "Never think that a small action done to your neighbor is not worth much. It is not how much we do that is pleasing to God, but how much love we put into the doing."

Sean, the radio interviewer also asked, "But what if someone does drink or drug? How do they not become hopeless?" Mother Theresa also says, "Give yourself fully to God, who will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in God's love than in your weakness." If there is a relapse in drinking or drugging or emotions, we remember to trust in God's love---more than our weakness. We pray, we meditate. We ask Him to give us the strength to return to self help meetings, to call  our sponsor, to examine the "plan" and where it didn't work.

A Catholic priest, Martin Coist (I think), said, "It is not the falling that is the worst but rather staying on the ground." We don't have to stay on the ground. Christ is there is pick us up with His hand of forgiveness.

Do you have a plan? Is God part of that plan? Are you taking time in Advent to pray quietly to remember God is with you?

Blessings